THE VITAL PROBLEM OF CHINA
By
SUN YAT-SEN
Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
THE VITAL PROBLEM OF CHINA (1917)
I.
Why Should China Join the Allies?. . . . . 2
II.
Conditions of China's Entry into the War . 7
III. The Absurdity of China's Participation . .15
IV.
China's Relations with the Powers . . . . 18
V.
The Foundation of the British Empire. . . 23
VI.
British Foreign Policy During the Last
Century . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
VII. British Foreign Policy in Case of Allied
Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
VIII. Consequences of Allied Defeat
or Stalemate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
1
IX.
China and Japan: Natural Friends –
Unnatural Enemies . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
X.
The Fate of China . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
her goal. If the result is not in accordance with her hopes, her very
existence will, after defeat, be in question. So when a nation stakes
everything on the hope of winning a war, it is because she has no way to
preserve her existence or to achieve expansion other than by recourse to
arms.
THE VITAL PROBLEM OF CHINA
(Written in 1917)
Chapter I
It is essential that the interests involved in the war be the interests
of the whole nation and not that of a minority if the people are wholeheartedly to join the war and not fall back when marching forward, nor
utter complaints should they be wounded. The countries of today are
different from what they were in the former days. In the past, neighboring
nations attacked each other frequently. Peace was precarious and
consequently war unavoidable. Today, treaties are concluded and envoys
exchanged between nations as pledges of everlasting friendship. Courtesy is
maintained even between countries which have signed no treaties and
exchanged no envoys; they no longer invade each other. Nations will not
light-heartedly start a war against one another; they resort to force only
when other means are of no avail. After all, what is the purpose of
challenging another country to war when there is no absolute necessity?
WHY SHOULD CHINA JOIN THE ALLIES?
Do countries exist because wars take place, or do wars take place
because countries exist? In considering the origin of countries we find that
these were formed generally for the purpose of aggression or defense.
While aggression means war, defense against aggression cannot go without
warfare either. As war cannot be waged by individuals acting singly, these
individuals formed themselves into communities for this purpose. As
communities cannot be without a definite system of organization, there
emerged a leader among each community. As leaders cannot govern the
mass for one day only, communities became permanent organizations in the
form of States. Thus, in the earliest stages, States were formed only as a
means to wage wars; should there be no wars, there would be no States.
Nowadays, nations cannot carry on war for ever; diplomatic
dealings between nations are further increasing from day-to-day. When
international relations are thus becoming more and more intimate and when
war is generally no longer resorted to for the purpose of national existence
or territorial expansion, some other means must be found for the fulfillment
of national aspirations. This is where diplomacy comes in. After a country
has mapped out a certain policy, it must first seek its realization by
diplomacy, and it is only after it has exhausted all its diplomatic resources,
that it may resort to war. At the conclusion of hostilities diplomatic
relations will usually be resumed. Thus, in international relations,
diplomacy and force are both indispensable in enforcing national policies.
Diplomacy, however, is more often employed than armed force; the former
is used as a rule and the latter only when there is no other alternative.
The question of how countries could start fighting if by some
means they could be maintained permanently in an unchangeable condition,
leaves in practice no room for discussion, for, as a matter of fact, they were
perpetually at war with each other and had no need to commence hostilities.
The countries of today, however, are absolutely different from what they
were in ancient times. Every country now has a national ideal to strive
after; they no longer exist only to wage wars. It is true that, occasionally,
they find it necessary to resort to war, but their object is either to preserve
their national existence or to extend their national boundaries, and war is
but the means of gaining their ends. Hence, countries of today fight in order
to exist; they are not formed only for the purpose of warfare.
An ancient adage says, "The army is an evil, and war is perilous."
Take, for instance, the recent case of the United States of America
and Germany. Following the sinking by a German submarine of the
"Lusitania" (a British vessel flying the American flag and carrying among
her passengers some Americans who met their death) the United States
repeatedly protested against the tactics employed by Germany. But no
It is further said, "The maintenance of an army is a matter of great
importance to a nation. It constitutes the decisive factor in the national
destiny. No nation can afford to neglect it." When a nation embarks on a
war, it is because she has no alternative. Even when she emerges victorious
from a war as hoped, it is still uncertain whether she will be able to attain
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sooner had a protest been accepted by Germany than a further incident took
place. This state of affairs continued until this year (1917) when the sinking
of American ships without warning culminated in the rupture of relations
between the two countries. There was a lapse of a period of two years from
the sinking of the "Lusitania" to the final rupture; this showed how
cautiously the situation was handled.
was on amicable relations with the Huns, Turkestanians, and the Tungus,
but such short-lived peace was always obtained by bribery. There was no
such thing as diplomacy. And it was just because of this lack of experience
in diplomacy that when her doors were thrown open to the outside world
she was prone to quarrel with foreign countries. Every conflict ended in
China being despoiled of her sovereign rights. Consequently she became
every submissive and wanted nothing but to save "face." In time, however,
she began to lose patience and fell to quarrelling again. Although she
maintained ordinary diplomatic relations she had no real diplomacy.
Following closely upon the heels of the Opium War came the Sino-French
Wars of 1856 and 1884, then the Sino-Japanese War of 1894, and, finally
the Boxer War of 1900. Every conflict ended in loss of territory, payment
of indemnities and impairment of interests, resulting in no benefit
whatsoever.
In China's case, can it be said that she has exhausted all her
diplomatic resources? In the last two years the Allies had inflicted
incalculable losses on the Chinese, but this fact was completely ignored by
China. Nor, to our knowledge, had she make any investigation of the
submarine tactics employed by Germany in the Mediterranean and the
Atlantic. Yet, the moment she heard that the United States had broken off
relations with Germany, she began at once to protest to Germany, and
before she received any reply, severed relations with Germany. Can it be
said that China has exhausted all her diplomatic resources and yet failed to
get what she wanted? In her reply to China's protest, Germany declared that
submarine attacks had done no damage to Chinese vessels, and offered to
enter into negotia-tions with China for the protection of Chinese lives and
property. We should say that Germany was considerate enough. If,
supposing, China had reached an understanding with Germany whereby
Chinese passengers would travel only on Dutch boats, or on boats
designated by Germany, and whereby Germany guaranteed that she would
not attack such vessels, then Chinese people would be able to travel safely
to Europe. As Germany was willing to open negotiations with us, why
should we refuse to enter into negotiations with her? Germany had made it
known that the issues between her and China could be settled by diplomatic
procedure, but we refused to enter into negotiations with her and, instead,
were bent on joining the war. Can China's situation be considered as similar
to that of the United States? America dealt with Germany diplomatically
for two years, whereas China in dealing with Germany resorted to
diplomacy only for one month. America declared war on Germany when all
diplomatic measures were of no avail, but China abruptly adopted the
extreme measure of joining the conflict before her diplomatic resources
were exhausted. Can it be said that China has no alternative but to fight?
In her relations with foreign countries, China was handicapped by
the ignorance of diplomacy, not by a reluctance to fight. Diplomacy does
not necessarily mean favoritism to some foreign countries and
discrimination against others. Japan was once a diplomatic failure like
China, but gradually, as she became acquainted with the methods of
diplomacy, she mended her ways until foreign consular jurisdiction was
abolished and her custom tariff readjusted. She did not have to use force to
realize her aspirations, nor was it necessary for her to antagonize any
foreign country to achieve success. Siam is a far smaller country than
China, and yet, by following the example of Japan by the use of diplomatic
methods, she succeeded in recovering her judicial and tariff rights.
The relations between two countries are, in a way, comparable to
the relations between two individuals. There are cases in which, others
could be benefited only at the expense of one's self. But there are also cases
in which one can be benefited without the necessity of injuring others. To
choose the way leading to the benefit of one's own country and at the same
time not injuring others, that is the proper function of diplomacy. For, if a
country persists in seeking to benefit herself at the expense of others, she
will surely precipitate a war. Now the fruits of victory may compensate for
the losses suffered during a war, but the consequences of defeat are
unimaginable. China's mistake was that she did not rely on diplomacy by
which she may secure the recovery of her lost rights, but, instead, relied on
war the result of which is unpredictable. The early failure of China,
Until recently, China had always been content with her isolation
from the outside world. When she was not busy subduing other peoples she
was usually engaged in internecine warfare. True it is that at times China
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therefore, was the same as that of Japan who at first committed the same
blunder. But Japan gradually mended her ways and recovered her losses,
while China did not. At this moment, she is on the point of enacting another
tragedy to add to her long series of tragedies, the last of which was the
Boxer Incident. The line of action which she has chosen to follow is utterly
absurd.
submarine warfare? Are the Indians under obligation to give up their food
to the British, while they are starving themselves?
Nominally, of course, the British are not plundering, but in fact, the
exorbitant taxation and tyrannical rule in India are such as to make it
impossible for the natives to maintain their livelihood; it is nothing but
plunder on a grand scale. Recently, England has forced the Indians to
subscribe £1,000,000,000 to a war fund and the subscription has been given
the euphemism "Voluntary contribution from India." Actually the sum was
extorted by heavy taxation. It was not without reason that when it was first
proposed to collect contributions from India, the proposal met with stronger
opposition from the British than from the Indians themselves. Lancashire
businessmen realized that enforcement of the proposal would be followed
by an increase in the tax on piece goods manufactured in Lancashire and
shipped to India for sale, and accordingly they raised strong opposition. As
a matter of fact, however, the taxation would cause the Lancashire
businessmen only slight losses. As for the Indians, the payment of
£1,000,000,000 must reduce them to such poverty as to compel them to sell
their wives and children and ultimately die in the gutter; even so they
cannot afford to pay the huge sum. Is this compatible with
humanitarianism?
What obliged China to enter the war? Nobody can answer this
question with definite evidence to support his opinion. If it be said that
China is obliged to fight in the cause of justice, then is what Germany has
committed more unjust than what Britain, France, and Russia did? If it be
said that Germany's sinking of mercantile vessels with-out warning by
submarines is inhuman, that she subjected Belgians and Serbians to cruel
treatment, and that the forcible entry, into Belgium and Luxembourg was
an act of injustice, then are the Allies any better off? Is there any difference
between the marching of British troops into Greece and the marching of
German troops into Belgium and Luxembourg? Soon after the outbreak of
war, Britain declared that she would starve Germany into submission by
cutting off her food supplies. Any news reaching England concerning the
starvation of German woman and children is invariably received with
rejoicing, while any report that Germany is rich in food and other
necessities of life, is either received with disquietude or dismissed as false.
How is this compared with the German maltreatment of Belgians and
Serbians? However unkind the Germans may be towards the Belgians and
Serbians, they do not go so far as to cut off their food supplies till they are
starved to death.
Let us turn to the way in which the French treat the Annamites. The
taxation in French Indo-China has been growing heavier every year; the
law is most severe and the slightest offense is liable to such heavy
punishment that once they are thrown into prison it is very difficult for
them to get out again. The fertile soil of Tonkin was formerly cultivated by
the Annamites themselves. No sooner had the French started to rule IndoChina than they imposed heavy taxes on the native population; and taxes
were increased from year to year until landowners were unable to meet
their taxes with the money they received from the rent and peasants were
unable to recover what they invested in the fields. Finally, the farmers and
peasants had to give up their fields and migrate to cities to seek
employment as laborers. Then there came a period during which the fertile
land of Tonkin appeared like a vast desert. The Annamites starved and
suffered terribly. Death followed one after the other, and the people who
were fortunate enough to survive, had no longer any joy in life. Meanwhile,
the French brought large numbers of their fellow-countrymen from their
homeland to cultivate the deserted areas in Indo-China. The French tillers
As the maltreatment of Belgians and Serbians and the food
blockade against Germany are both directed against enemies, we are at a
loss to understand why the Anglo-French starvation policy is regarded as
perfectly human while the exercise by Germany of preventive control over
the people conquered by her as unpardonable. Every year England takes
large quantities of foodstuffs for her own consumption from India, where in
the last ten years 19,000,000 people have died of starvation. It must not be
imagined for a moment that India is suffering from under-production. The
fact is that what India has produced for herself has been wrested from her
by England, with the result that the Indians themselves are starving. Is such
action compatible with the principles of humanity? Is it any better than
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had the privilege of being exempt from taxation. The so-called desert areas
were really land which had previously been worked by Annamite
cultivators but which had been deserted because these natives could not
bear the heavy taxation. Is this compatible with the principles of humanity?
England and France have treated their colonial subjects even more cruelly
than Germany treats conquered nations, and yet it is said that they have not
committed any offense against humanity.
The factors indispensable to the existence of a nation are people,
territory and sovereignty. When any of these is injured, a protest may be
lodged, and if the protest proves to be of no avail, then a declaration of war
will be justified. However, the extent of the injuries should be considered,
and war should not be contemplated except in cases of the gravest injuries.
Now, has Germany inflicted any harm on us since the outbreak of the war?
The answer is "No," except for those who went to France as laborers and
were drowned through the sinking of the vessels conveying them. These
laborers had been induced by France to go to work in French munitions
factories. England and France, knowing well that attacks against their ships
are inevitable, have prohibited their own women and children from
travelling by sea. They have, however, no such regard for Chinese laborers,
many of whom on their way to Europe were drowned when the vessels
were sunk. Is this not a trap set for the Chinese by the British and the
French? Sometime ago the Japanese press reported that a camouflaged
German cruiser was somewhere in the South Seas, and that there were over
300 persons on board, including 80 Chinese laborers. A few days later the
Japanese press again reported that the cruiser had been sunk. It is presumed
that the 80 Chinese were sent to the bottom of the sea together with the
others on the vessel.
It is said that Germany stands for Might, not for Right and that a
German victory will spell the end of justice. But is the annexation of
Transvaal, India and Malaya in ac-cordance with the principles of justice?
Is it right for England to rob China of Hong Kong and Burma, to force our
people to buy and smoke opium and to mark out portions! of Chinese
territory as her sphere of influence? Is it by right and justice that France
seized Indo-China, and Russia seized Manchuria and invaded Outer
Mongolia? The history of the last few decades does not speak well for the
Allies; they also represent Might, not Right. A few decades ago, when
England was strong enough to carry out acts of injustice, she had no respect
for justice, but today, because she is not so strong as Germany, she charges
the latter of being unjust, and at the same time takes care to forget her past
aggressions. How can anybody be so simple-minded as to believe her
words? If one really wants to champion the cause of justice today, one
should first declare war on England, France and Russia, instead of on
Germany and Austria. But, since China does not want to declare war even
on England, France and Russia, there is even less reason for her to declare
war on Germany and Austria.
What is the difference between work on German vessels and
working in French munitions factories? Why is it that China cannot lodge a
protest with the Allies? The reason is simple enough. The Chinese, who
worked on board the German cruiser, did so at their own risk; the drowning
was due to their own fault; the Allied countries were not responsible. In this
instance Germany was to be blamed for having lured the Chinese laborers
into a precarious position; not the Allies for showing no mercy. On the
other hand, it is equally plain that only France is to be blamed for the illfate of the Chinese laborers that were traveling to work in that country and
that here Germany cannot be held responsible. Further, a great number of
Chinese have been wrongfully put to death in some British and French
Dominions. A few years ago, a number of Chinese laborers were hired to
work in Russia and when the wages agreed upon were not paid in full and
the men assembled to demand full payment, they were fired upon, and
several hundreds were killed. A friend of mine, recently arrived from
Russia, has described to me, with tears in his eyes, the helpless and forlorn
condition of the surviving Chinese laborers in that country. This crime is a
We know that only few people have made the mistake of believing
all this humbug about justice and humanitarianism, that the majority who
advocate entry into the war, use the terms "justice" and "humanitarianism"
hypocritically and do not really uphold such virtues. No sooner have these
people made a speech about justice and humanitarianism than they let slip
some words about advantages and disadvantages. Tuan Chi-jui was the first
to say that China's object in entering the war was not to gain advantages but
to avoid disadvantages. If war were an effective means for gaining
advantages and removing disadvantages, then every Chinese would be glad
to join the war to rid China of her disadvantages. But in the present case,
we must first of all ask ourselves how far Germany has harmed our country,
and why disadvantage can be avoided by participating in the war.
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hundred times more heinous than the sinking of enemy vessels by Germany
involving Chinese casualties.
equal to between one 20th and one 30th of the area under British and
Russian influence. Even the French and Japanese spheres of influence are
several times larger than the erst-while German sphere of influence.
Why are we so tolerant towards the Allies and so un-reasonably
severe towards Germany? If it is argued that China's entry into the war can
save her people from peril, our reply to that argument is that, unless our
navy is strong enough to wipe out the German submarines and accomplish
what the combined British and French fleets cannot succeed in doing, the
safety of Chinese lives cannot be assured. If, immediately upon the
outbreak of the war, China had prohibited her nationals from traveling to
Europe, she might have prevented these disasters. But China, after her
declaration of war, has to send large numbers of laborers to work in
Europe. Such a step amounts to inviting German attacks against merchant
vessels and will surely have the effect of increasing Chinese casualties.
How then can it be said that China's participation in the war is intended to
eliminate the loss of Chinese lives?
All these Powers have encroached upon China, but their
encroachments differ in extent. Also, a distinction may be made between
those countries which continue their encroachment and those countries
which have discontinued their encroachment, at least for the time being.
We persist in condemning that country which has, at least for the time
being, discontinued its encroachment, while we pay no heed to the everincreasing encroachments by the other Powers. Should we riot assist the
Power which has encroached least? Verily, by joining the present war we
shall encourage the foreign infringement of our sovereignty, instead of
defending ourselves against foreign invasion. If we desire further
encroachments upon our land, we might as well proclaim to the whole
world that we are offering it for sale. There is no need to go through the
trouble of waging a war with Germany.
It is indeed, impossible to know the future territorial ambitions of
Germany. But we may say that among the Powers she has so far been the
least aggressive towards China, and also the least ambitious. Speaking of
territorial losses, China has ceded the richest areas in the Heilung-kiang
Valley to Russia; Burma and Hong Kong to Britain; Indo-China to France;
and Formosa to Japan; no land has been taken from us by Germany.
Speaking of leased ter-ritories, England has occupied Kowloon and
Weihaiwei, France has occupied Kwangchow Bay, and Russia has
occupied Port Arthur and Dairen and turned them over to Japan. As to the
occupation of Kiaochow, Germany is no more guilty than any of the other
Powers. Since Kiaochow has now passed under Japanese control, there is
still less danger of German infringement upon Chinese territorial
sovereignty. Referring to foreign spheres of influence, British influence
extends over Tibet, Szechwan and the Yang-tze Valley, representing
approximately 28 per cent, of the whole of China, Russian influence
extends over Outer Mongolia, Sinkiang and North Manchuria, representing
approximately 42 per cent of the whole of China; French influence extends
over Yunnan and Kwangsi, and Japanese influence extends over South
Manchuria, Eastern Outer Mongolia, Shantung and Fukien. The areas under
French and Japanese influence each represent over 5 per cent, of the entire
Chinese territory. Although Germany once established a sphere of influence
in Shangtung, the area was below 2 per cent, of the whole of China, i.e.
It is true that Germany, following the examples of Britain and
France, has also committed acts which constitute infringements upon our
sovereignty. But comparatively, she is decidedly not so bad as Russia,
whose stationing of troops in China and occupation of Chinese territory
once led to a serious armed conflict, or as Britain, which was the first to
establish consular jurisdiction and carve out a sphere of influence in China.
Even now, after the outbreak of war and the reestablishment of our
Republic, [i.e. after the overthrow of the Hung Hsien Dynasty of Yoan
Shih-kai. –Editor] French authorities have sent agents across their
boundaries to seize our policemen and extended their Concessions by force.
Are such acts beneficial or are they prejudicial to our sovereignty?
The foreign press persists in expressing the view that the
restrictions against the movement of Chinese troops in the Tientsin and
Peking area, and against the erection of fortifications, as well as the right of
stationing foreign troops in the Legation Quarter, have been imposed upon
China as chastisement to remind the Chinese of the Boxer Rebellion. Since
China is not free to build fortifications and move troops freely about in her
own territory, does she still have any sovereignty? The stationing of foreign
troops in our Capital by foreign Powers is in no way different from the
manner in which Germany once treated France after a German victory. The
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German occupation of the French Capital lasted only one year, but till now
the French hate their enemy. Foreign troops have been stationed in Peking
for nearly 20 years. Is it that this presence of foreign troops is beneficial to
the sovereignty of China and therefore admits of no criticism? If China
were completely free and independent, there would have been no foreign
interference with her decision as to war and peace. In the present situations,
the United States has shown the greatest tolerance towards Germany, and
the European countries have not ventured the slightest complaint against
the American attitude. China, on the other hand, is severely scolded by the
Allies whenever they are even slightly dissatisfied with her way of dealing
with Germany. The Allies have never shown any respect for China's
sovereignty.
CHAPTER II
CONDITIONS OF CHINA'S ENTRY INTO THE WAR
The so-called "conditions of entry into the war" are promises of an
increase of the customs tariff, suspension of indemnity payments and
revision of the Boxer Protocol, in addition to a $100,000,000 loan. That is
all. Is it worth-while to plunge the whole country into war for these terms?
Certainly not. These so-called "conditions" can be obtained by diplomatic
means; it is unnecessary to go to war to get them. In fact they can be
obtained only by diplomacy, not by war.
Concerning the readjustment of the customs tariff, it has been
suggested in some quarters that the tariff rate will be raised to 7.5 per cent,
in accordance with the Mackay Treaty and to 12.5 per cent, after the end of
the war when likin is to be abolished. In other quarters it has been
suggested that the existing tariff will be revised with the old treaty as the
basis and the new rate will be 5 per cent ad valorem. The first suggestion
has now been completely dropped; the so-called "negotiations" are
proceeding on the basis, of the second suggestion. A review of the history
of our customs tariff convinces us that it is absurd to consider the second
proposal as an advantage justifying our entry into the war.
From the foregoing it is evident that all the talk about saving China
from harm is nothing but humbug. The real object is to gain advantages.
China has severed relations with Germany, not because of justice or selfdefense but as a result of bribery. As far as the public are concerned, the
bribe consists in the increase of customs tariff, suspension of indemnity
payments, and revision of the Boxer Protocol. Bribes have also been taken
by private individuals who have helped to bring about the rupture of
relations with Germany, but since it is a delicate matter I would rather
withhold the facts in substantiation of my statement.
The existing tariff is based on the Mackay Treaty con-cluded with
Great Britain in 1902. Under that Treaty, the average prices prevailing
during the three years after 1897 are taken as the standard of assessment,
that is to say, the duties payable on all staple commodities are based on
such prices. As the, prices in those years were much lower than the existing
market prices, a nominal 5 per cent, tariff is actually only 3 or 4 per cent.
Apparently, changes in prices were anticipated at the time of the conclusion
of the Sino-British Treaty, which stipulates that at the expiration of ten
years either party may, within a period of six months prior to the expiration,
propose a revision of the tariff. Similar provisions are contained in the
commercial treaties subsequently signed with other countries. As far back
as August 1911, the year of the establishment of the Republic, China
notified the diplomatic representatives of the foreign Powers in the Capital
that the term of ten years had expired and that changes in the value of
commodities necessitated a revision of the tariff. The various foreign
diplomats were again notified in 1912. China's proposal was
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unconditionally accepted by Great Britain, U.S.A., Germany, Austria,
Belgium, Spain and Portugal. Only Japan, Russia and France, while
accepting the proposal, stipulated certain conditions for their acceptance. In
other words, they desired some slight benefits in exchange for their consent
to tariff revision; such, for example, as reduction of export duties on one or
two particular commodities. By no means can these countries reject our
proposal for revision which is provided for in the Treaties and cannot for
any reason be objected to. Had it not been for the European war, this matter
might have long ago been completely settled.
payment will be for the duration of only a few months, and, if the war
should come to an end this year, there will have been no postponement at
all. The proposed arrangement for the moratorium on indemnity payments
is obviously intended to deceive the public. It is possible, of course, that the
European conflict will continue for two or three years, in which case the
indemnity payments will be suspended for the same length of time. But the
benefit of suspension for one or two years is not absolutely unobtainable by
diplomatic means. Has America not returned to us an enormous amount of
indemnity funds? Did she require China to break off relations with, and
declare war on, a third country as a condition of the refund? At the present
time, the value of gold has fallen and indemnity payments have virtually
been reduced as compared with the last two years. Besides, it is not
improbable that the Powers are desirous of having the payments deferred in
order to gain interest on the arrears. A moratorium means a temporary
suspension, not the cancellation of all future payments. Furthermore, the
financial resources rendered available by the postponement of the
indemnity payments are likely to be applied to other purposes, in which
case funds will have to be raised in the future to meet ultimately the
payments. Thus, postponement of indemnity payments will neither benefit
China nor prove detrimental to the Powers. And yet China must join the
war to obtain consent to the moratorium!
The suspension of negotiations for tariff revision during the war
was merely an act of courtesy on the part of China, and if we should have
insisted that the negotiations be renewed now, the Powers could not help
but accept our request. It is unnecessary to break off relations with
Germany and join the war in order to resume negotiations on the subject.
At present, China regards tariff revision as a condition of her participation
in the war, and the Powers concerned have come to regard it in the same
light, insisting that the negotiations for tariff revision cannot be resumed
unless and until China has joined the war. All this trouble is of China's own
making. Had we continued the negotiations with the Powers without
bringing up the question of entry into the war, the Powers would have long
ago agreed to the tariff revision. Compared with the terms now under
consideration, the terms of the Mackay Agreement of 1902 providing for
the abolition of likin is infinitely more favorable to China. If the Mackay
Agreement could be reached by negotiations, why must tariff revision now
be conditioned by China's entry into the war? If an object can be attained
by the ordinary procedure, there is no earthly reason to plunge the whole
nation into danger in order to attain it. If the Allies make it so difficult for
us to accomplish our object, why should we take the trouble of aiding them
in their fight?
Under the Boxer Protocol, China is not permitted to erect
fortifications at Tientsin; restrictions are imposed on Chinese troop
movements, while foreign Powers have the right to station troops in China
"for the protection against the Boxers." The proposed revision of the
Protocol is in-tended to remove such restrictions and to restrict the alien
forces stationed in China. As may have long been realized, complete
withdrawal of foreign troops from China is impossible. Even if China
should enjoy a little more freedom than at present for the movement of
troops and construction of fortifications, it is only a matter of "face-saving."
But so long as foreign troops are stationed in our Capital to see that our
Government does not offend the foreigners, there can be no talk of "facesaving," or respect for our sovereignty. With regard to "face-saving,"
Germany proposed before the outbreak of the war to reduce her forces in
China and, if we knew how to use diplomacy skillfully, we would have
brought about some modifications in the treaty provisions, even though the
modifications may not be of great importance.
Turning to the subject of indemnity payments, China requests a
moratorium of ten years, while the Powers insist that payments can be
deferred only up to the time of the cessation of hostilities and that payments
for the current years must not be suspended. That thee war in Europe is
expected to come to an end during this year, has been intimated not only by
England and France but also by Germany and Austria. Apparently the
whole world believes that the war will last no longer than another year. So,
even if the hostilities should continue until next year, the postponement of
8
In consequence of China's own acceptance of such modifications
being a condition of joining the war, the North-China Daily News and other
foreign newspapers have emphatically declared: "The Boxer Protocol is
meant to serve as a chastisement of the Chinese people and must not be
modified lest they might forget the serious consequences of the Boxer
Rebellion. If, however, it is desired to give some satisfaction to the Chinese
people, slight modifications may be made in the minor provisions of the
Protocol, and this only after China's entry into the war." The tone adopted
by such newspapers gives the reader the impression that China is like a
criminal in foreign custody, and that her request for treaty revision is in the
nature of an application for pardon. The foreigners insist that China should
redeem her sins by meritorious conduct before they may graciously
consider an abatement of her sentence. Instead of endeavoring to free
herself from restrictions by means of friendship, China has, curiously
enough, chosen to assume the position of a prisoner before the bar. Can
freedom thus obtained be regarded as a benefit at all?
To sum up, all those things generally referred to as "conditions of
entry" into the war can be obtained by diplomatic procedure, and without
the necessity of going into war. Rather, China's participation in the war will
probably have the effect of thwarting her hopes of tariff revision, etc. The
reason is this; China has entered into treaties with foreign countries
providing for an equal share of interests by the Western Powers. Although
we have broken off our relations with Germany, the day will come when
we shall resume our relations with her, and, at that time, we shall not be
able to compel her to agree to what has already been agreed to by England
and France. Furthermore, tariff revision has long ago been promised us by
Germany and Austria, and were it not for the severance of relations with
them, they could have no excuse for breaking their promises. The rupture of
relations has had the effect of canceling the promises and exacerbating
German feelings towards China. In our peace talks with Germany and
Austria, they will in all probability repudiate their promises, and then
England, France, Japan and Russia will most probably 'do likewise by
citing the stipulation of the equal share of interests. China will be unable to
force Germany and Austria to concede to her the same things which
England and France have promised her, while England and France will be
able to force her to give them the same favorable treatment as she will give
to Germany and Austria.
To the Government the most alluring of all the "conditions" is the
prospect of a foreign loan. Any loan to be in the nature of a true favor to
China should neither require any guarantee or security, nor be subject to a
dis-count, and should have been granted to her long ago for the relief of her
distress. Only such a loan could be con-sidered as a benefit. At this moment
when negotiations for a loan from the United States are about to be
concluded, the Four Power Consortium comes in with the proposal of a
joint loan to China. It is a foregone conclusion that the latter loan will be
subject to all the conditions of discount and security as in previous cases.
Probably, had there been no talk of breaking off relations with, and entering
the war against, Germany, the loan might have long ago become a success.
The casual mention of a possible Chinese entry into the war has, on the
contrary, given the United States a pretext for slowing up the negotiations.
In truth, since the commencement of the war the wealth of the United States
has increased to such an extent that the surplus money cannot find
profitable investment – a situation which is causing some concern to that
country. As invest-ment in China is both safe and profitable, we should be
able to obtain a loan whether we enter the war or not. Although it is the
United States that persuaded us to adopt a hostile attitude towards
Germany, yet it is unlikely that she approves of our declaration of war. Our
entry into the war has really nothing to do with the obtaining of a loan.
Thus even granted that we may bring about treaty revision by
entering the war, we shall assuredly be obliged some day to forego the
revision as a result of this very participation. The postponement of the
indemnity payments and revision of the Boxer Protocol, which have not
received the approval of Germany and Austria, will not be binding upon
them. Should Germany and Austria, instead of agreeing to the postponement of indemnity payments and the revision of treaties, insist on
enforcing the original treaties, Britain, France and their Allies will probably
break their promises. Since there exists the principle of equal share of
interests, any policy which China may try to carry out must have the
approval of all the foreign Powers and the opposition of any one country to
that policy will effectively block any action. Accordingly, when China
desires to accomplish any project, she must avoid antagonizing the totality
of the Treaty Powers. At present she has offended some Powers in order to
please others, and it is almost certain that what has already been achieved
will be ruined by reason of the equal share of interests principle.
9
We would now like to ask, "Are the so-called conditions of entry
into the war advantageous or disadvantageous to the Allies?" If they were
advantageous to both China and the Allies, an agreement on the subject
would have been reached long ago, and the Allies would not have waited
until now to offer them to China as conditions of entry into the war. If on
the other hand the "conditions" are dis-advantageous to the Allies, their
acceptance now would be temporary and reluctant, and even if Germany
and Austria should, in the course of future peace talks, consent to the socalled "conditions," the Allies will probably instigate these two countries to
raise objections in order that the Allies themselves may have an equal share
of the interests thus obtained. How can we expect the Allies to aid China in.
the name of justice? If, however, the so-called "conditions" are exactions
from the Allies, it will be a case of "taking advantage of another's
precarious position to seek small profits," and, though the Allies have in the
past wronged us, it would be against our conscience to take advantage of
their precarious condition. In short, even if these "conditions" are obtained,
they will be lost within a short while, as a result of our participation in the
war. So, what can we expect to get out of the war?
party are still babbling about the advantages of China's entry into the war,
but are the advantages real?
On the contrary, we can see very clearly the disadvantages. As a
sequel to China's declaration of war, Chinese Mohammedans, who owe
allegiance to their religious leader, will probably start trouble. This
possibility has not only been emphasized by intelligent observers of the
world situation but also demonstrated by recent events in Sinkiang and
Kansu. Needless to say, such trouble will grow into serious proportions. In
addition to this, there are two other disadvantages which may produce
grave and widespread consequences, viz. the unrestricted hiring of labor
and export of food supplies from China. In the meantime, the hiring of
labor for work in France is prohibited by the Chinese Government, and
only a few laborers have gone there. But, as soon as China joins the war,
she will be under obligation to hire laborers for the Allies and will be
unable to continue the prohibition. So far, only less than 20,000 Chinese
laborers have left for France and the sinking of each labor-carrying ship
must have claimed a toll of several hundreds. In these circumstances it may
be easily conceived what will happen to the laborers that may be sent to
Europe in the future. Even though such men may escape death during their
voyage, the case of the Chinese workmen in Russia furnishes a serious
warning against sending them abroad. England and France may not have
the intention to hire labor from China, but the fact remains that many of
those proceeding to Europe have already met with ill-fate.
There is absolutely no hope of securing the so-called "conditions"
by participating in the war. Japan strongly opposes tariff revision,
suspension of indemnity payments and treaty revision which, according to
her, had been imposed as a penalty on China. When efforts were first made
to induce China to join the war, a British official made out a list of these
"conditions" and showed it to Lu Cheng-hsiang (the then Foreign Minister)
as extraordinary benefits to China, and accordingly a report to this effect
was made to the Chinese Parliament. After the rupture of relations with
Germany, however, the said official, in answer to our enquiry concerning
the attitude of the various diplomatic representatives, suddenly declared
that the "conditions" had been suggested in a personal capacity and no
official responsibility can be assumed. It is understood in informed quarters
that the sudden change of attitude on the part of the foreign diplomats was
due to Japanese opposition. England has exerted every effort to bring China
into the world imbroglio and offered the "conditions" as bait, but the
interests at stake are Japanese, not British, interests. Japan, in refusing to
sacrifice her own interests for England's, has incurred British enmity, but
England is afraid of the Japanese dominating influence in the Far East and
dares not explain to the public the Japanese opposition to the "conditions."
Hence the subterfuge of the British. The blind adherents of the pro-war
As to the exportation of foodstuffs, it will have the cer-tain effect
of increasing the prices of rice and wheat in the interior. With a sudden
advance in the prices of foodstuffs and no corresponding increase of
income the poor masses will shortly find themselves on the verge of
starvation. Famine does not always mean that the entire food production of
a country is insufficient for the consumption of its entire population. When
scarcity is felt in one locality and no supplies can be brought speedily
enough for its relief owing to the lack of transport facilities, famine takes
place at once. Needless to say, it is not worth-while to starve the entire
population of China for the sake of less than $200,000,000, made up of a
loan amounting to $100,000,000, indemnity funds amounting to
$30,000,000 and increase of revenue amounting to about $50,000,000.
10
Moreover, the loan and the indemnities under suspension have
eventually to be paid not only in full but with interest added. So they cannot
be properly considered as benefits. The only thing which may be called a
benefit, is the increase of $50,000,000 in the customs revenue. But, who
will bear the burden of the increased customs taxation? The answer is, "the
Chinese themselves and not the foreigners." Foreigners will suffer no more
than a slight inconvenience in bringing their goods into China, while, the
prices and taxes for such commodities will continue to be paid out of
Chinese pockets. There are many ways in which the Chinese Government
may obtain revenues from its people. Why must it adopt the present line of
action, which will send hundreds of thousands of people to face death and
cause hunger and poverty to tens of millions? The above analysis shows
that the so-called "benefits" are not benefits at all, but will, on the contrary,
give rise to infinite trouble.
end of last year stood at Y.700,000,000 and are still increasing. The amount
of gold which has flowed into America, however, is many times greater
than the amount which has flowed into Japan. Japan has joined the war, but
has now laid down arms without going through with it, while the United
States has only just begun to fight. It is the immunity from the disastrous
effects of the war that has helped to bring about the present economic
prosperity in both countries.
There is no harm in seeking profit in the same way as Japan and
America have done. Such neutral countries as Holland, Switzerland, Spain
and Denmark are situated too near to the battlefield to escape the adverse
effects on their trade. The Anglo-French blockade has almost completely
ruined the trade of the Scandinavian countries and Holland. Only the
various countries in America and Asia are in a position to achieve
prosperity at the present time. If China wants to promote her own interests,
she must maintain neutrality and at the same time develop herself
economically to make up for the losses she has suffered in the past and
pave the way for her future greatness. This is quite simple, and the wonder
is why nobody has ever thought of it. Declaration of war in the vain hope of
obtaining a few unobtainable benefits will only bring disastrous
consequences to China. It is fervently hoped that all Chinese people will
devote their attention to this vital national problem.
There is, however, another danger even more serious than the evils
which have been described above. That is, national extinction may be the
result of our offering ourselves as a sacrifice to Great Britain and France in
the desire of gaining of small advantages. In such an event no amount of
efforts will save us from disaster. The Chinese people, who are still in a
dormant state, may some day awake and find themselves in fetters, and then
it will be too late for them to repent.
The present war in Europe is a terrible tragedy. No man with any
sympathy for his fellow creatures will point at it as a golden opportunity for
China. If, however, China must profit by the war, she can do it in more
ways than one. Japan and the United States, for example, have reaped
immense profits from the conflict by economic activities. The various
countries in Europe are suffering from shortage of manpower and capital as
a result of the war. Their workmen have been turned into soldiers and
machines are used for the manufacture of military supplies. Necessaries of
life have to be sought from abroad, and even the supply of war material is
dependent partly upon foreign sources. Under such conditions the industrial
and shipping interests of Japan and America are all enjoying a business
boom. Owing to unfavorable trade Japan was formerly unable to maintain
her financial affairs in a proper condition. She had to look to foreign
countries for loans to tide over financial difficulties. It was not until the
year before last that her trade balance began to improve by leaps and
bounds, causing an influx of gold into the country. Her cash reserves at the
Natural resources, manpower and capital are the three main factors
in economic development. In planning the development of China today
there is no fear of a lack of natural resources or manpower; the only thing
needed is capital. The territory of China is vast, but large tracts remain
uncultivated and the population is so numerous that many people are out of
employment. If she knows how to utilize her land and population she could
have become rich within a brief space of time. Her inexhaustible resources
and manpower, if aided by a little capital, would transform China into the
richest and consequently the strongest country of the world, even without
the help of up-to-date machinery. It should be quite easy to secure a little
capital from abroad. Since the opening of hostilities the belligerent
countries in Europe have been concentrating their efforts on the production
of necessities and consequently the output of those commodities which they
export to China has greatly diminished. At the same time, the cost of
transportation has increased considerably.
11
This is, indeed, an opportunity for China to develop her agriculture
and industry. Chinese agriculture is already highly developed; what she
needs to do is to impart some new knowledge to her farmers and to
introduce an efficient governmental control over agricultural production.
Proper management will exclude the use of wasteful methods and no crisis
will occur in the areas which are now suffering more or less from food
scarcity. As long as no restrictions are placed on the export of foodstuffs,
foreign countries will continue to offer high prices for the purchase of
cereals only from the localities favored with transport facilities. With the
continued soaring of the price of cereals, starvation is inevitable. Under
systematic agricultural control, areas with an over-production will be able
to export their surplus for the relief of areas suffering from underproduction. It is even possible that China's production of cereals will be
more than sufficient for the needs of the whole country. The export of
cereals should give rise to no difficulties, provided that systematic action is
taken to regulate the movement of foodstuffs. The same consideration
applies to agricultural produce other than foodstuffs. If proper reforms are
introduced to rehabilitate agriculture, a great increase in exports will follow
as a natural consequence.
designed to throttle them. Although the Chinese people engaged in mining
in the South Sea Islands find themselves unhappily under the power of
Europeans and are subject to discriminatory treatment, they can
never-theless carry on their business quite profitably. As soon as they
return to their Fatherland and read the Chinese Mining Law with a view to
exploiting natural resources, all their hopes are shattered and there is
nothing for them to do but to go back to where they came from. It appears
that the mining regulations made by foreigners to impose hardships on
Chinese residents are far better than the Mining Law made by China in
favor of overseas Chinese. No wonder that the mining industry in China
remains in a backward state.
The same may be said of all the other Chinese indus-trial and
commercial enterprises. When a foreign Government creates a particular
Ministry, it is aimed at protecting the interests of its people, but when the
Chinese Government creates one, it is directed against China's own
interests. Such being the case, can it not be said that there is no chance for
China to become rich and strong? If we would follow the footsteps of the
West and clear away the obstacles that stand in the way of our industry and
commerce, even though we might accomplish a mere fraction of what the
Europeans have achieved, we could transform our country into the richest
and strongest State in the world. Take Germany, for example. At the
commencement of the war, she was suffering constantly from acute
shortage of food-stuffs and other commodities, but, later, after the
introduction of systematic control, she began to enjoy an abundance of
supplies. She had spent the bulk of her national resources on the war, and
yet, by using properly the remainder of her wealth, she managed
successfully to ameliorate the situation. We have far greater natural
resources and man-power than Germany, and, what is even more important
is that there is no war within our country.
Will not such a plan yield immense beneficial results? The people
who are supposed at present to be promoting industry have, however, not
set themselves to work along such lines. On the contrary, they have
imposed such exorbitant taxes on the rural population that agriculture is
more or less paralyzed. In some regions huge quantities of crops are
allowed to go to rot, while the inhabitants in other regions are in the grip of
famine, pining for relief. This is precisely what is meant by the phrase, "the
erection of barriers is detrimental to the people."
Take the mining industry as another example. Since the enactment
of the Mining Law applicants for permission to open mines have had to go
through innumerable difficulties before they can obtain a permit.
Sometimes after permission has been obtained, it transpires that a mine has
been encroached upon, and a bribe has to be paid to rid it of the
encroachment. It often happens that before securing the right to exploit a
mine one has to spend several tens of thousands of dollars. Consequently,
there is even less prospecting now than before the introduction of the
Mining Law. The mining laws of other countries are intended for the
protection of mining interests, whereas the Mining Law of our country is
At this moment, when the world market is wide open to us,
suffering from lack of supplies, there is no doubt about the possibility of
China realizing large profits. The most serious obstacles that stand in the
way of Chinese industry today are the unreasonable Government
regulations and conditions of likin, and innumerable other taxes of an
exorbitant nature. All these things can be abolished within a brief space of
time. Another noteworthy fact is that since the opening of the war
American shipping interests have gained enormous profits despite constant
12
sinking of their vessels. The majority of the nouveau riches in Japan have
made their fortunes from the shipping trade. Last year the Nippon Yusen
Kaisha alone reaped profits amounting to several tens of millions of yen.
Although the gains of this single company may not be taken as reflecting
the prosperity of the country as a whole, it is a fact that the smooth
operation of the Japanese shipping trade has brought prosperity to every
business and fortunes to many households in that country.
present emergency ready-made vessels may be purchased, even at
comparatively high prices, to expedite the transportation of goods. The total
amount of goods now being tied up are estimated at 300,000 tons, most of
which are destined for adjacent localities. If a round trip can be made each
month, the 300,000 tons of goods can be cleared off in a year. Only 40,000
tons of shipping will be sufficient for the purpose. Such a plan is not
absolutely impossible of realization. The 40,000 tons of shipping may be
used simultaneously for the export of surplus agricultural produce and for
the import of necessary commodities. At the same time efforts may be
made to build a foundation for a new ship-building industry. Thus the
goods stranded in various interior ports may be cleared off in a year, and
the commodities in the producing areas may be moved out gradually in
order to prevent rotting. These measures alone will bring about a
remarkable economic development. The hiring of the unemployed to
perform reclamation work, the abolition of the likin restrictions and the
encouragement of the shipping business will certainly bring, in one year,
far more benefits than those which may accrue from the "conditions of
entry into the war," and, moreover, such plan will not involve any risks.
The "conditions" on the other hand, will involve risks, and may not bring
any benefit at all. After carrying out the measures suggested above,
agriculture, mining and other industries will develop, as it were,
automatically. Japan has acquired a national wealth of Y.700,000,000
within the space of two years. A comparison between the potential
resources of China and those of Japan convinces one that it would not be
difficult for China to acquire a national income of $1,000,000,000 per
annum.
In contrast, the transportation business in China is in a lamentable
condition. Since the outbreak of hostilities it often happened that as many
as 30,000 tons of goods were accumulated and held up in Shanghai owing
to the lack of transport facilities. What is the amount of interest payable on
the value of 30,000 tons of goods? What is the amount of go-down
charges? Such losses probably total several millions of dollars per annum.
When 30,000 tons are held up in Shanghai, the tonnage held up in various
interior ports must be ten times this figure, and the losses probably amount
to several tens of millions of dollars per annum. When goods are stranded
in interior ports, it may be imagined that in the producing areas there are
still less facilities for the export of their products, which must be in a state
of deterioration. The loss incurred consists not only in the payment of
interest but also in the reduction of capital. Thus the total losses probably
amount to several hundreds of millions of dollars per annum.
If a reform is brought about in the Chinese national economy, the
effects will be as beneficial as, if not more beneficial than, any which may
accrue from the "conditions of entry into the war." The foreign loan, the
indemnity payments and tariff increase can amount to no more than
$200,000,000, whereas the increase of revenue which will result from a
thorough-going reform will be greater than this figure. The so-called
"conditions" are only temporary palliatives, because the increased income
will have to be repaid within a short time, whereas the suggested reform
will bring about a real increase of wealth without causing any harm
whatever.
The existing Chinese Government is worried about its financial
situation, not knowing that financial resources are dependent on the
national economy. It makes no effort to improve the national economy, and,
instead, devotes itself to the pursuit of immediate advantages. Even if such
advantages were obtained, they might ultimately cause the extinction of the
nation. If, on the other hand, they were not obtained, infinite trouble would
happen nevertheless. Is it thus worth-while to follow the present line of
conduct? With such a rare opportunity in hand, is it not absurd deliberately
to throw away the chance of economic development? If we can be content
with poverty, it is still possible for us gradually to remedy the situation.
Spasmodic efforts to gain imaginary advantages will involve the danger of
national extinction. The only benefit to the Government will be a foreign
If China is really serious on furthering her own interests, why does
she not prefer the methods suggested to the procedure now being followed?
At this moment there is a shortage of shipping facilities. Chinese labor is
cheaper than labor in other countries and it is quite easy to import
machinery and iron material for the construction of ships. To meet the
13
loan, if it can be obtained at all. Instead of compromising the interests of
the whole nation, would it not be better for the Government to work in the
same spirit to reform the domestic politics, to promote industry and
agriculture, and to facilitate communications? Would not such a program
bring more real advantages and involve less danger to the country? We
cannot believe that the authorities are so blind as not to see this. The
defiance of public opinion, the renunciation of long-cherished policy and
the embarking upon a hazardous action, lead one to suspect that in deciding
upon the present policy the authorities have been considering their own
interests without any regard for the national welfare.
the aid of the American Navy, drive the Japanese interests out of her
territory.
But the relations between China and Japan are so closely knit
together that the full significance of this fact cannot be explained away
simply by the phrase "same cul-ture and same race." True unity between
one nation and another must necessarily depend upon a community of
interests. As China has the same interests as Japan, Japan needs must take
care of China's interests and offer her friendly advice. Japanese opposition
to the British efforts to induce China to join the war last year is a case in
point. Japan must have a certain reason for her opposition, and the reason is
neither any conflict between Chinese and Japanese interests nor any design
to inflict harm on China in order to benefit herself, The reason is; If China
should join the war she would sacrifice herself somehow or other for
England, and then either Germany or Russia would reap the benefit of
China's sacrifice. If Germany or Russia should control the rights and
interests of China, Japan, would have still less room for development than
she has at present; in fact, Japan might have even no way to protect herself.
This would be harmful to Japan, but her suffering is the result of China's
suffering. For although Japanese and Chinese interests have different
starting points, they have the same goal. When offering advice to China,
Japan has, of course, an eye on her own interests and not on Chinese
interests, but the advice cannot for that reason be simply rejected. Those
who are now advocating the pro-American policy do not understand the
true situation in East Asia.
We are fully aware that a part of the Government authorities have a
true and ardent desire to save the nation. They are pursuing the present
policy in the hope of improving China's place in the family of nations. Even
among officials of the old type, who are generally understood to be
governed in their behavior by nothing else but considerations of private
interests, there are not a few who, in advocating China's entry into the war,
are motivated, not by private interests, but by the desire to make a stand
against Japan. With rare exceptions, all the advocates of entry into the war
are laboring under the impression that Japan is trying to establish
hegemony in the Far East, and that present policy will restore to China her
place in the family of nations and, by joining hands with America, drive out
the influence of Japan. Whether the advocates of the war on Germany are
motivated by this idea or not, there is no doubt that this idea is ever-present
in the minds of the old-type officials. Japan's action in preventing China
from entering the war the year before last, has increased the misgivings in
these quarters, who seem to think that if Japan does not want China to join
the war that step must be injurious to Japan's interests.
From this the conclusion is drawn that since China's entry into the
war is injurious to Japan, it must be ad-vantageous to China, and
consequently the pro-American decision has been further strengthened. But
our overtures to the United States have not been answered, and our
opposition to Japan has only had the effect of obliging ourselves to submit
to Japan's guidance. It is obvious that those in favor of this policy can never
attain their objectives. These people not only have not abandoned their antiJapanese and pro-American ideas, but expect that the American Navy
expansion program will soon be completed, and that then China may, with
14
Chapter III
The principal cause of the American declaration of war on
Germany is the condition of American industry. Since the outbreak of
hostilities, Britain and France have been suffering acutely from lack of war
materials, and at the same time have had to furnish Russia and Italy with
military supplies. Consequently, they have been obliged to seek help from
America. In response to Allied appeals the United States has expanded her
industries and devoted herself to the production of military supplies, the
export of which has as a result increased enormously. The over-abundance
of gold which results from the increase of exports is a cause of anxiety to
the American nation. The total value of the export to Europe last year was
U.S. $3,750,000,000 (equivalent to $7,500,000,000 in Chinese silver
currency). Some of the export items have increased in volume to several
times the former figures; and some, like copper, iron, foodstuffs and gunpowder, had increased by hundreds of per cent. The United States official
figures, as published in a Russian chronicle, are shown in the Table as
follows:
THE ABSURDITY OF CHINA'S PARTICIPATION
The United States has now declared war on Germany. It cannot be
predicted, however, whether she will act independently or join the Allies.
The declaration of war by the United States is backed up by real force.
Leaving aside other factors, the American Navy occupies the third position
in the world. After the declaration of war, the American Navy may assume
part of the responsibility for scouring the Atlantic waters. While there is no
knowing whether the German U-boats are afraid of the American Navy, the
fact is that the United States enters the war with the necessary force.
According to official reports, the U.S. Navy has a reserve force of
2,000,000 men. While it is not known how many of these men can be put
on the field, the possession of such military strength may be taken as proof
of the American capacity for pro-secuting the war. Moreover, the United
States is in the meantime planning to expand her armed power further. The
annual increase of the American naval strength often amounts to hundreds
of millions of dollars. Since her dec-laration of war, the United States has,
as a first step, decided on an appropriation of over U.S. $2,900,000,000 for
her army and of U.S. $500,000,000 for her navy.
A nation must possess the necessary strength before she can talk
about war. Can China claim to possess even a hundredth of the military
strength of the United States? Can China put forth a single dreadnought or
submarine against the enemy? Does she have one fully-equipped division?
Needless to say, she is not in a position to join the war. Serbia. Montenegro
and Rumania are no help to the Allies, and yet they have each put more
than 100,000 men on the field. Even when defeated, these men can still
fight valiantly. Can China, in fighting with Germany, achieve one-tenth of
what these countries have achieved? China has not one-hundredth part of
the strength of the United States or one-tenth part of the strength of
Belgium, Serbia, Montenegro or Rumania, with which to back up the
rupture of relations with Germany and her declaration of war. To humiliate
a handful of Germans remaining in China and then to pretend to have
scored a victory is not only dangerous but also disgraceful and ridiculous.
Many stupid fools contend that declaration of war does not necessarily
require actual fighting. If this were true, then war is just a big joke!
15
Table of U.S. Staple Exports During Recent Years
(Unit in Francs)
Name of Commodity
-----------------
3rd Year
of Chinese Republic
1914
-------------------
4th and 5th Year
of Chinese Republic
1915-16
--------------------
cattle
23,000,000
494,000,000
Copper
295,000,000
1,285,000,000
foodstuffs
825,000,000
2,175,000,000
1,130,000,000
35,000,000
motor cars
165,000,000
600,000,000
motorcycles and trucks
250,000,000
835,000,000
chemicals
137,000,000
620,000,000
30,000,000
2,335,000,000
1,257,000,000
3,330,000,000
pistols
17,000,000
90,000,000
machines and lathes
70,000,000
305,000,000
metal cords, nails
51,500,000
250,000,000
182,000,000
400,000,000
90,000,000
235,000,000
condensed milk
6,500,000
60,000,000
refined sugar
9,000,000
395,000,000
34,000,000
225,000,000
aeroplanes and
metal parts
explosives
iron, steel,
aluminum and lead
raw and tanned leather
footwear and hosiery
wool
certain lines of industrial activity. A large part of the increased export items
as shown in the Table are the output of newly established industrial plants.
As such plants have been established with enormous capital, any
interruption of exports will put diem out of work and at once cause a panic.
It is precisely for this reason that, when Germany offered to negotiate
peace, the American market received a rude shock. It may be conjectured
what effects may be suffered by America from the German policy of
submarine blockade. In pre-war days, the United States enjoyed a
prosperous trade with Austria, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Since the
British blockade of German ports, America has lost a part of the world
market. Fortunately, the British, French, Italian and Russian demand for
Ameri-can goods is more than enough to compensate for the loss.
Under such circumstances America sees the bright but not the
gloomy side of war. But since the German declaration of the intention to
sink without warning all ships in the blockade zones, the United States and
other neutral countries have been alarmed by the prospect of having to
suspend their shipping trade, and the American industries have been in a
state of serious nervousness. Therefore, the United States hopes to break
the submarine power of Germany in order to protect her own interests and
continue her trade. This is the chief intention underlying the American
declaration of war. But it is open to doubt whether America's participation
in the war will have the desired effect of wiping out German submarines. It
is not improbable that this doubt is also entertained by American industrial
interests. If the United States, in strengthening her armed might, has all
along had the intention of declaring war, she can now turn the supplies
originally intended for foreign countries to the reinforcing of her own
power, and incidentally this will help to eliminate the trouble of faulty
investment and overproduction. Thus, even if the German submarines
should continue their deadly activities and the American trade to Europe
should be cut off, the American capitalists would still not have to worry
about their interests. That is why the entire American nation is clamoring
for war.
Does the same condition of things exist in China? Since the
outbreak of the European conflict, China's trade with America and Japan
has undergone no change, while her trade with Europe has been decreasing
continually. The decrease is largely due to the fact that the Chinese
Government takes no notice of trade affairs, and the Chinese people are too
The sharp increase of American exports signifies on the one hand
an influx of money and on the other hand the concentration of capital on
16
ignorant. But the principal cause of the decrease lies in the fact that Chinese
products are not in urgent demand in European countries. Furthermore, the
restrictions recently imposed by England and France on imports into their
countries are particularly unfavorable to China. Owing to these restrictions,
China's export of silk, tea and other commodities is seriously handicapped,
while China's agriculture and commerce are also adversely affected. The
United States is suffering from the German blockade, while China is
suffering from the British and French embargo on imports.
Continent, it will have no more effect on the war situation than what British
reinforcements have produced. Besides, the transport of supplies and
reinforce-ments will necessitate the requisitioning of a large number of
vessels, which will aggravate the food shortage in the British Isles.
It is plain, therefore, that the advantages of America's entry into the war
cannot be offset by the disadvantages, and it is just because Germany
understands this so well that she has been using every means in her power
to bring the United States into the war. The United States has never
seriously wanted to join the war. The American President's proposal for the
negotiation of peace before the decisive battle indicates that in his heart of
hearts he does not want the United States to join the war. The United States
Government in a Note to Germany declares that it is not only the right but
also the obligation of the United States to offer its mediatory services.
Three weeks later, the United States suddenly lodged a protest, broke off
relations and finally declared war. Probably, even Dr. Wilson himself could
not foresee that things would turn out as they did. Because the American
entry into the war is ad-vantageous to Germany, she has forced the United
States to take such a step. But China is under no necessity to join the war.
Why must she follow the footsteps of the United States? She gives one the
impression of an ugly woman aping the ways of the beautiful queen!
Thus, the United States and China are in different circumstances;
they are suffering differently from the actions of the belligerent countries. If
China, however, really wants to adopt the same line of action as America,
should she not, first of all, protest to England and France against the import
restrictions, and then follow it up with rupture of relations, and declaration
of war? China stands in a position different from that of the United States.
As far as China is concerned, strict observance of neutrality is the way to
further her own interests and to preserve her own existence.
Moreover, the recent American entry into the war was a step forced
upon the United States by Germany. Until recently, America has been
supplying various European countries with unlimited quantities of war
material, and this fact has been taken by Germany as an indication that the
United States has not been pursuing a policy of armament expansion.
Hence the German challenge to the United States. The United States cannot
be so unprepared as China for entry into the war; all she has to do to
strengthen her own army and navy is to stop the supply of arms and
ammunition to the Allied countries. The war expenditure of U.S.
$3,400,000,000 recently approved by the American Congress is not far
from the total value of American exports to Europe during last year.
Therefore, at the end of the year when this amount has been expended,
American exports of war supplies to Europe will fall to less than one-tenth
of the exports during the year before last, and the Allied supplies will be
exhausted. The opinion is current that the United States is so wealthy and
so strong that she should prove a deadly enemy to Germany. As a matter of
fact, the combined naval strength of the American and Allied fleets will
never achieve the feat of wiping out the German submarines, and the
transportation of several hundreds of thousands of American troops to
Europe is a stupendous undertaking. Assuming, however, that the United
States will succeed in landing such an expeditionary force on the European
China's position is in absolute contrast with the position of the
United States. The United States has a powerful army and navy, whereas
China has none. The United States has suffered at the hands of Germany,
whereas China has suffered from the Allied countries. The United States is
compelled to join the war, while China has no such necessity. Why in the
name of Heaven is China so desirous of getting herself into trouble? Not
long ago Japan exerted her utmost to build up a sphere of influence in
Shantung and the South Sea Islands, but she secured what she wanted and
she has taken every care to keep it without embarking on any further
adventures. The year before last, a suggestion was made to invite Japan to
send troops to the Balkans. The suggestion had the unanimous support of
the various European Powers and for a moment appeared attractive even to
a minority of the Japanese themselves, but in the face of opposition from
the majority, the idea had to be dropped. Japan's relations with the Allied
countries are very different from China's relations with them, and, what is
more, Japan is strong enough to prosecute a war. Despite this fact, she has
not accepted the suggestion offered by the Powers, as she does not want to
defy the opposition of the entire nation. Instead of babbling about following
17
the example of the United States, why does not the Chinese Government
think more carefully over the matter?
Chapter IV
CHINA'S RELATIONS WITH THE POWERS
China is contemplating entry into the war with the desire of
pleasing the European Powers and the United States in anticipation of their
support. Such an idea is perfectly in line with her traditional, stupid policy
of "befriending the far and attacking the near." In fact, the policy of playing
one foreign country against another has been popular ever since China's
first contact with foreigners. Unfortunately, the policy of playing Russia
against Japan, regarded by Li Hung-chang as the key to diplomatic success,
ultimately led to invasion by foreign Powers. Thus, such ideas as the
partition of China and her division into spheres of influence were
suggested, and treaties were signed for the cession or lease of various
territories. Such were the results of this policy!
Nevertheless, Li's policy has been regarded as a model, to be
admired and followed, by the old-fashioned government officials who had
only the vaguest ideas about diplomacy. Yuan Shih-kai laid down the
principle of diplomacy as being the "bringing of the influence of one
country into the sphere of influence of another country so as to cause a
clash of interests." His policy was essentially the same as Li's policy of
playing one foreign country off against the other and "attacking the
neighbor with friends from a distance." The present authorities are
following Yuan's policy of playing America off against Japan. While it is
true that the United States has persuaded China to lodge a protest with
Germany, the American Minister has declared that the matter of joining the
war would be left to China's own decision. Japan at first objected to China's
participation in the war, but since China lodged the protest in compliance
with the advice of the United States, Japan has changed her attitude and has
been urging China to join the conflict on the side of the Allies.
In other words, there have been some intrigues between Japan and
America behind China's policy towards Germany. Does the Chinese
Government think it better to adopt a pro-Japanese, instead of a proAmerican, policy despite the fact that America's suggestions are more
convincing than Japan's? No, it does not. The old-fashioned Chinese
officials are pro-American, but the time is still not ripe for them to carry out
their policy. China obeys Japan because she has at present no alternative
18
but to wait for the day when she may obtain foreign assistance to avenge
the injuries which she has suffered at the hands of Japan. The Chinese
Government is eager to make concessions to Tokyo but its gift is in the
nature of a Greek gift; the humbler it appears, the more treacherous it is to
Japan.
dismissal of a couple of German employees from Chinese Government
service as a success in eliminating German influence, would you not
consider the capture of Tsingtao and the cutting off of German trade as
much greater achievements? Japan has failed to wipe out German influence
completely from the East in spite of the fact that she has spent millions of
dollars on a campaign lasting several months with casualties reaching
nearly 1,000; is it not ridiculous and childish to expect that a few Chinese
policemen and officials can succeed where Japan has failed?
We cannot say that there is any lack of sincerity in such proAmerican attitude, but we may safely affirm that China will never be
benefited by such a chimerical policy. It is the shortsightedness of the
Japanese statesmen and Britain's pressure on China that have given rise to
all the talk about China's severance of relations and entry into the war.
While seven of the Allied countries are said to be persuading China to enter
the war, it must be pointed out that Italy, Belgium, and Portugal were at
first not interested in the question of China's participation. (In view of the
possibility that China may be called upon to share the burdens of the Allies
after the war is over, Italy, Belgium and Portugal may have been directly
interested in the question, but their interest cannot be very serious.) What
France and Russia expect to derive from China's participation in the war
can be easily obtained even without China's participation. The only country
which seriously desires China's entry into the war is Great Britain; Japan is
urging China to enter because she has no alternative; the United States only
wants us to adopt the same attitude as her own; the other countries are not
seriously concerned with the question.
German predominance over the China market may be ascribed to the
following three factors: (1) high quality of her commodities, (2) observance
of commercial ethics, and (3) thorough knowledge of the Chinese
psychology. In these three matters Germany is superior to any other
country. It is by virtue of these three qualities that Germany, who came into
the China market later than her competitors and lacked any base for her
economic operations, managed within a brief space of time to push herself
into the British sphere of influence, and to gain the upper hand. The
German extension of influence could not be checked by human efforts. A
survey of the German import and export situation in China after her
occupation of Tsingtaa reveals that the German economic base in the East
is not in that port.
Exports and Imports at Tsingtao During 1911
The Allies, it is said, expect to derive the following benefits from
China's participating in the war, namely, (1) supply of manpower, (2)
supply of foodstuffs, (3) exclusion of German economic interests from
China. A study of the situation however convinces us that the above three
points are merely a pretext adopted by the Chinese advocates of war in a
moment of self-hallucination, and can-not be accepted even by the Allies
themselves as the true reasons for their insistence on China's participation.
(Unit in Taels)
Name of Country
---------------
Value of Imports
----------------
Value of Exports
----------------
Total
-----
Germany
4,665,000
1,596,000
6,261,000
Japan
4,309,000
1,174,000
5,483,000
8,000
4,329,000
4,337,000
199,000
1,551,000
1,750,000
1,282,000
124,000
1,406,000
Britain
First, let us deal with the German economic interests in China.
Germany's trade with China has been completely disrupted since the
outbreak of war, and Tsingtao, the only German trade center in the East, is
now in Japanese hands. The German trade is now represented by only a few
scores of mercantile establishments which have completely suspended their
business. If you consider the closure of several schools, the arrest of a few
armed guards, the closure of a small number of mercantile houses and the
France
America
19
It is impossible to exterminate the German trade by occupying
Tsingtao. Nor will there be any way to stop the inflow of her merchandise
after the conclusion of the war. Once she resumes her trade with China, she
will find it quite easy to recover her former position or even improve on it
by virtue of the qualities enumerated above. Therefore, the restrictions
imposed on her trade can be regarded only as a temporary measure, which
is indeed quite unnecessary in view of the fact that her trade has already
ceased completely. In this light the claim that the Allies are desirous of
cutting off German trade is absolutely untenable.
and Burma, and, if Britain and France are in need of food, they can obtain
large quantities of rice from these colonies, instead of from China. Judging
from every angle, we are convinced that the question of manpower and
food are not the true reasons for the Allies' efforts to persuade China to join
the war. Japan, Great Britain, and America, therefore, are the only countries
which are closely concerned with, and anxious to secure, China's entry into
the war.
In the present efforts to induce China to join the conflict, the
United States and Japan are in the limelight while Great Britain remains in
the background. As a matter of fact, however, Britain is playing the leading
role. The United States and Japan are being used as tools by Great Britain,
who has tried for a long time to bring China into the war. At the time when
Yuan Shih-kai proclaimed himself Emperor of China, Britain offered to
extend recognition to his monarchy on condition that China would enter the
war, but in the face of Japan's opposition the offer had to be withdrawn
before Yuan could reach a decision. Britain has since never ceased her
efforts in this direction. But the British Government has already promised
the Japanese Foreign Minister, Viscount Ishii, that before taking any action
in China, Britain would always first consult Japan. In this light, the hands
of British diplomats are tied in the Extreme Orient.
Speaking of manpower, it may be pointed out that the countries
which really stand in need of such assistance are only Russia and France.
Great Britain, though known to have only a small population in her own
territory, is probably not at all concerned over the shortage of manpower,
inasmuch as she has at her disposal the entire population of 300,000,000 in
India. In addition, there are plenty of Chinese laborers in the British
colonies. It should not be difficult to enlist hundreds of thousands of
laborers, say, from Malaya, Borneo and Burma within a fortnight or so.
Besides, Chinese immigrants are continuously pouring into the Straits
Settlement with the object of earning a living, and they constitute an
inexhaustible source of manpower. It is quite easy for Russia and France to
conclude a special agreement with. China for this supply of Chinese labor,
and the fact that these two countries have long been enlisting Chinese labor
without having concluded any such agreement, is ample proof that the
question of manpower is not a true reason for urging China to join the war.
Therefore, if Britain desires to induce China to join the war, she
must first obtain Japan's consent, and in order to obtain Japan's consent, she
must get the United States to use her influence in China. We cannot
ascertain the real motives of the United States in this matter, but Mr.
Simpson, the Editor of the Peking Gazette, and his crowd, appear to think
that after protesting to Germany China can rely upon America's economic
and military power to counter-balance any pressure that Japan may exert on
China. This view indicates that the Chinese Government is pro-American
and anti-Japanese, and that at the same time Britain entertains a bitter
feeling against Japan. It is a favorite idea among the pro-American
advocates that Japan's purpose in preventing China from joining the war
until this year, was to control the Chinese diplomatic policy and that the
recent protest to Germany had been lodged by China with the object of
maintaining her diplomatic independence. But it is Britain whose
diplomatic policy in the Far East is subject to Japan's control and who
cannot recover her diplomatic independence until China has entered the
war. How can China achieve diplomatic independence?
Let us now turn to the question of foodstuffs. The shortage of food
in Russia is not due to underproduction, but to the lack of transport
facilities. Since her transport facilities are insufficient even for the
transportation of foodstuffs from one place to the other within her own
territory, how can she expect to bring any food supplies into her land from
a foreign country? It is true that Britain is suffering from underproduction
of grain, but it is far more convenient for her to obtain her supplies from
America and Canada than from China. China has for a long time been
importing flour in large quantities from abroad. If the flour which has
already been imported into China, and all the future imports of flour and
what are handed over to the British, the British will have enough food for
their con-sumption. There is no necessity for China to declare war. Supplies
of rice for Fukien and Kwangtung have always been drawn from Annam
20
The old-fashioned mandarins have the habit of suspecting
everybody of being a malicious scoundrel unless he is bent on promoting
his own private interests. Japan's objection to China's participation in the
war might be partly due to the unwillingness on the part of the Japanese
Prime Minister Count Okuma to recognize Yuan's regime, but this was
certainly not the principal reason. The chief reason was the fear that China
might be placed in a dis-advantageous position as a result of her
participation. Commenting candidly on Japan's attitude at that moment, we
may say that she placed China's interests even before her own. (It is
unnecessary to point out that in the present situation China and Japan have
common interests.) Instead of showing gratitude towards Japan for her
kindness in saving China from danger, some Chinese officials have
expressed the opinion that the Japanese have been attempting to deprive
China of her diplomatic freedom. These officials, on the other hand, are all
clamoring for revenge. Are they all out of their minds? Japan realizes that
China's participation in the war will not help the Allies to conquer
Germany, but will only result in the immolation of China even in case of
Allied victory. If China is sacrificed, not only China, but Japan also will
suffer. Japan, in trying to avert such a danger at the risk of offending her
Allies, has by no means done China any wrong. Yet some people persist in
saying that Japan is oppressing China and trying to deprive her of her
diplomatic freedom. This is why they lost the opportunity of co-operating
with Japan in developing East Asia, and played into the hands of the White
peoples.
Yuan's satellites had built the wildest dreams on their leader's
coronation, and his failure filled them with mixed feelings of shame and
anger which they found convenient to vent on Japan. It is often said that the
Twenty-One Demands presented by Japan are indicative of her desire to
monopolize China's interests and to carry out territorial designs, but it must
be understood that the Demands were drawn up not at Japan's dictation. It
is known that in his eagerness to mount the Throne, Yuan once offered to
Japan some benefits even greater than those contained in the Fifth Group,
but the offer was refused. After the dissolution of Parliament and the
revision of the Constitution, China expected to obtain a second foreign
loan, but at that juncture war broke out in Europe, and shattered all hopes of
such a loan. Yuan then abandoned his anti-Japanese attitude and became
friendly to Japan. Desiring Japan's recognition of his monarchy, he
promised her certain advantages in return. In fact, the Twenty-One
Demands were presented by Japan at his own instigation; Japan did not, at
the beginning, press him to accept those Demands.
Subsequently, however, in view of the strong anti-Japanese attitude
adopted by Yuan in the past and realizing that he would hit back with
increased vigor when everything was settled, Japan decided to exact
important advantages from him in the hope of preventing future trouble.
Somehow the matter leaked out and met not only with opposition from the
Chinese public, but with adverse criticism from various other countries.
Nevertheless, Yuan went on with the execution of his scheme and secretly
asked the Japanese to dispatch troops and send an ultimatum to China in
order to subdue the opposition of the Chinese people and thus facilitate his
acceptance of the Demands. However, he never had the courage to accept
the Fifth Group. After the lapse of six months when he ascended the
Throne, a revolution broke out in Yunnan. With all speed Yuan deputed
Chow Tze-chi as a special emissary to inform Japan that in spite of public
opposition he would not only accept the Fifth Group but would give Japan
some other advantages in the bargain.
It would have been quite easy for Japan at that time to help Yuan to
suppress the Kuomintang and to obtain advantages for herself, but the
entire Japanese nation, being proof against such temptation, rose in
opposition to Yuan's request, and consequently Yuan's scheme proved a
failure. By comparison, it appears that Japan's aim in China is not
necessarily aggressive; her actions have more often than not proved
beneficial to China. It is wrong therefore to accuse Japan of harboring wild
ambitions. In opposing China's entry into the war and in rejecting Yuan's
offer as conveyed by Chow Tze-chi, Japan was actuated by a pure sense of
righteousness. While we cannot fully endorse the actions of Count Okuma,
we must not be unfair to Japan.
Even now, when Japan has suddenly changed her attitude and is
persuading China to enter the war, we are convinced that among the
Japanese people there must be some who have weighed the advantages and
disadvantages of China's entry and who do not want China to be involved
in the European imbroglio. Japan's hesitation in agreeing to the so-called
"conditions of China's entry into the war" may be explained by the fact that
being an Ally of Britain she cannot continue indefinitely to refuse the
British request, but at the same time she does not want to be responsible for
21
any consequences that may arise from China's entry on the side of the
Allies. Accordingly, Japan is coaxing China to join the war without
offering her any bribe. (The "conditions of China's entry into the war" such
as revision of customs tariff and moratorium on indemnity payments, are
tantamount to a bribe.)
certainly taken the right steps, which unfortunately have been misconstrued
in the interested quarters. First, the American peace appeal was strongly
opposed, and then the American exhortation to lodge a protest was regarded
as an opportunity of opposing Japan. I am convinced that America in
addressing the Note to China did not cherish the intention of opposing
Japan. The American advice to China has only served to excite the
imagination and emotions of the old-fashioned mandarins obsessed by the
anti-Japanese idea. The attitude of these officials' is exactly what is wanted
by the British, and has produced repercussions unexpected by America. If
China acts in concert with the United States, she would, of course, please
the latter whose only desire, however, is to protect, by concerted action, the
interest of the neutrals. The United States wants no more than this.
Although she has persuaded China to lodge a protest, she cannot be held
responsible for China's entry into the war.
Japan is certainly not unaware of the existence of the principle of
equal share of privileges, which entitles her to equal benefits after the
termination of the conflict; and whatever she may concede to China at
present may" be withdrawn without any damage either to her prestige or
her material interests. It is solely due to her unwillingness to see China
embark upon a dangerous course that she strongly objects to the "conditions
of China's entry into the war." She is above the reproach of conscience. If
China should perish as a result of her participation in the war, Japan will
suffer or perish with her, so Japan does not really want China to participate.
(The diplomatic secrets exposed above have been obtained from absolutely
reliable sources, which, however, cannot be revealed for reasons of
responsibility. At any rate, the authorities themselves know that the above
statements are true and that nothing has been added or detracted from the
facts to suit my own convenience. Upon my honor and according to my
conscience, I swear that the above statements are absolutely reliable.)
To sum up, neither the United States which has persuaded us to
lodge a protest, nor Japan which is advising China to join the war, can
derive any benefit from China's participation in the conflict. Even the Allies
themselves have no absolute necessity of China's participation on their side.
Why, then, have the diplomatic representatives of the seven countries
repeatedly interfered with the so-called "China's independent diplomatic
policy towards Germany"? The fact is that Britain is the moving spirit and
has been doing everything possible to plunge China into the conflict. Yuan
Shih-kai's ascension to the Throne afforded Britain an opportunity, but
unfortunately for Britain the British efforts have failed as a result of Japan's
intervention. Britain then seized upon the American advice to China as an
opportunity to stir up anti-Japanese feeling in China so that Japan might be
forced to come to a decision favorable to the British policy. We have seen
very clearly what the British have been trying to do in the past few years.
Judging from the avowals made by Morrison, Simpson, etc., indicating the
British efforts to induce China to enter the conflict, it is apparent that the
country which will benefit from China's entry is not Portugal, Russia,
France, America or Japan, but Britain and Britain alone.
Will the United States herself be benefited by China's entry into the
war or not? The answer to this question is: In persuading China to act in
concert with herself, the United States hopes that other neutral countries
will also follow her example. It is far from her desire to satisfy her own
ends by inducing China or any other neutral countries to enter the war. It
will be recalled that at the time when the United States sent a Note to
persuade China to lodge a protest with Germany, she dispatched identical
Notes to all other neutral countries, as she had done on a previous occasion
when she made an appeal for peace. In view of America's advice to China
to lodge a protest, political observers have expressed the opinion that
China's entry into the War on the side of the Allies will be welcome to the
United States, but these people do not know that the United States, being
the leader of the neutrals, desires the other neutrals to act in unison with her
only in order to preserve the interests of the neutrals as a whole.
The question may now be asked, "Besides the desire for the supply
of foodstuffs and labor and the ruination of German economic interests,
does Britain have any other serious reason for urging China to enter the
war?" The answer is "Yes." For centuries Britain has followed
unswervingly a certain policy, viz. a policy of seeking friends among those
China is not the only country which has been asked to intervene for
peace and lodge a protest. The American diplomatic authorities have
22
countries which can be sacrificed in order to further her own interests.
China is suited to satisfy this purpose, and that is why Britain wants her for
an ally.
Chapter V
THE FOUNDATION OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
As admitted by the British themselves, Great Britain without India
would be classed only as a third-rate Power.
What is the foundation of the British Empire? What has made the
London market the center of the world? Why is British diplomacy
respected by the whole world and regarded as omnipotent? What has made
it possible for the three Isles in the northwest of Europe to control so much
territory all over the globe and to boast that the sun never sets under the
Union Jack? By what magic has England maintained her dominant
position?
This magic power does not lie in her Parliamentary system, nor in
the policy of maintaining a navy equal to the combined navies of any two
Powers, nor in her Teutonic spirit and her gentlemanly tradition, but in the
possession of India. It is the possession of India that enables Britain to
control such a vast extent of colonial land all over the globe. It is India that
has made London the center of the world market. It is India also that
enables Britain to occupy the leading position in Europe and to do whatever
she likes in the world in the name of the King of England, generally known
as "King of the United Kingdom and Emperor of India." Thus, the British
Empire does not depend on England but on India.
The idea of a reciprocal customs tariff for British colonies,
advocated by the late Colonial Minister Joseph Chamberlain and his
Unionist Party as the first step of an Imperialist program, is significant in
this connection. Britain has colonies on all the five Continents. Setting off
from the South of England itself, a large part of the African Continent is
occupied by Britain with Egypt as the center of communications, and
Gibraltar, Malta, and Aden as connecting links. Another center of
secondary importance is the Cape of Good Hope. The Red Sea leads
eastward to India which is the cream of British colonial possessions.
Farther east, Great Britain has the Malayan Peninsula with Singapore as its
chief center and Ceylon and Hong Kong as secondary centers. Then there is
also Australia to the southeast of the Malayan Peninsula and Canada across
the Pacific Ocean.
23
Her methods of colonial administration vary according to place.
Canada and Australia are both enjoying self-government although they are
recognized by foreign countries as subject to British sovereignty.
Allegiance to England is avowed by Australia and Canada, not for the
benefit of the mother country but because they realize that if they were
divorced from England, their naval and military expenditures would
increase considerably, and that their taxes, which are now quite light, would
have also to be increased. In preferring to remain as British Dominions,
these two countries have no other object than securing themselves against
the outside world. England therefore cannot depend on them for the supply
of all necessary supplies. In proclaiming conscription and compulsory labor
service," England cannot compel Australia and Canada to comply with her
orders. (In November last year, for example, the Australian people voted
against the Conscription Law.)
European efforts in the past to grab colonial territories may be
likened to the scrambling for honey by bees. The sole purpose was to suck
the colonial life-blood in order to enrich the mother-countries; it never
occurred to the European imperialist to join their different parts into one
coherent whole. Colonies were considered only in terms of advantage to the
mother countries, and colonial policies were determined according to
economic interests. Needless to say, such medieval policy has fallen into
desuetude in the 20th century. Hence, Chamberlain's idea of Imperialism.
He thinks that a mother country and its colonies should be considered as
interdependent parts of a whole, the colonies being the markets for home
manufactures and at the same time the sources of agricultural supplies. Yet
the importance of such a market depends solely on the size of the colonial
population. The entire population in the British Empire is about
400,000,000, among whom 350,000,000 are Indians. The number of British
subjects, excluding the British themselves and the Indians, runs into only
eight figures, which shows that without India England could never
consolidate her Empire.
Although the British possessions in Africa are very extensive, they
are scattered and the population is comparatively sparse. It is impossible to
use these territories as bases for expansion. India and Malaya are more
conveniently situated and the British have always been able to do whatever
they please in their rule over these two colonies. For this reason, India and
Malaya afford ideal bases for the union of the British Empire. The
consuming and produc-tive power of the Malayan Peninsula is far smaller
than that of India, so India is preferred to Malaya. Chamberlain's policy
was to raise the British taxation on imports from foreign countries and to
remit taxes on commodities transported from one place to another within
the British Empire, as a means of encouraging imperial trade. This
exemption of taxation is referred to as Imperial Preference. 'As a result of
Imperial Preference, Australian agricultural produce and Indian and
Malayan raw materials would be able to dominate the home market, to the
exclusion of foreign imports. At the same time, home manufacturers would
be able to command the big market composed of Canada, Australia, Africa,
etc., to the exclusion of foreign imports. If this policy were successfully
carried out, the agriculture, industry and commerce throughout the British
Empire would be economically self-contained, and surplus resources could
be used in attempts to control the world market. Essential supplies need not
be sought from places outside of the Empire. This is implied in the
principle of the "Trinity of agriculture, industry, and commerce." It is only
after such a policy has been put into execution that British Imperialism can
be expected to develop.
England's success in securing colonies has been achieved not
systematically according to any preconceived program. She seized first a
colony in America, and shortly after wrested Canada from France.
Presently, the United States declared independence. At the close of the
Napoleonic wars, England began to use every means at her disposal to take
over the Dutch and Portuguese colonial possessions, and at the same time
occupied Australia. It was not until then that she commenced to make some
effort to establish connections between the diverse and widely scattered
colonies. In the meantime, she occupied the Suez Canal, the Cape of Good
Hope, Singapore, etc., as strategic bases.
The exploitation of India was at first undertaken by a chartered
company capitalized at only £70,000. In those days this company had to
compete not only with the Portuguese pioneers but also with the French and
Dutch East India Companies. It happened that the various petty States in
India were engaged in civil strife, and were all seeking foreign assistance.
Clive, a clerk in the British East India Company, managed by clever
maneuvers to worm himself into the confidence of some Indian Princes and
supplied them with the sinews of war, while he himself took the
opportunity to seize real power. From the 17th century up to the Rebellion
of 1857, the administrative power over India was invested entirely in the
24
said Company; the British Government took no serious interests in the
affairs of that country. It was not until after the suppression of the Revolt in
1858 that England announced the annexation of India. In 1877 Queen
Victoria assumed the title of "Empress of India" and thereupon the
Company gave up to the mother country the control over an area of
1,760,000 sq. miles and a population of over 300,000,000. Since then, the
British have used every means in their power to further expand the British
Empire, and to protect and maintain their colonial territories.
mother country and the colonies would drift farther and farther apart in
their relations until they would become absolutely detached. Hence,
without India, Australia and Canada would be useless, and Africa and the
Malayan Peninsula less important. Therefore, it is the possession of India
that enables England to hold together the British Empire, under whose flag
the sun never sets.
That Great Britain is able to dominate the world trade and control
the world market is due to her superiority in productive and consuming
power, and the fact that production and consumption are carried on in
different localities. The inter-colonial commerce and shipping trade are so
highly developed as to afford Great Britain sufficient resources with which
to compete with her rivals in trade and shipping. The producing and
consuming areas for any particular commodity in the world are situated at
different distances from London, but, strange as it may seem, the price for
that commodity in places far from London is determined on the London
market, owing, no doubt, to the .complexity of economic and social factors
and the concentration of competitive commodities in that metropolis.
Although transactions in the world market are reckoned in terms of money,
the financial resources of the buyers are created by the sale of some
commodities, and the sellers, with the proceeds of their sales, are constantly
buying com-modities other than those which they deal in. Consequently,
the centers where trade is carried on in numerous commodities tend to
attract trade in additional commodities. As a result of the concentration of
British domestic trade in London, the British foreign trade has become
likewise centered in London.
But the initial conquests were not made according to any
preconceived plan. So even in the early years of the 20th century the
colonies which should have been regarded as the foundation of the British
Empire, were treated as mere accessories to the mother country, and the
administrative measures which were undertaken often proved to be at crosspurposes. This is a deplorable feature common to all political units in the
first stages of development. Even small units like a city are without any
planning; they develop haphazardly until finally they assume irregular
shapes. Traffic control becomes a difficult matter; the natural center of the
city being remote from the real center, municipal improvements are
hampered by all kinds of obstacles. Observers of the world situation may
compare such cities as Nanking, Peking, Canton and Hankow in China or
such a city as Tokyo in Japan with Washington in the United States, and
they will note the difference. Nanking, Canton, Tokyo, etc., have not been
intentionally laid out in an irregular shape; they have been left to take the
natural course of development so that fields and orchards have grown, as it
were, into streets which have become integral parts of the city. In the
absence of city planning, irregular growth is inevitable. The same has
happened in the case of the British colonies.
The enormous volume of domestic and foreign trade has brought in
its wake transactions in commodities other than those covered by domestic
and foreign trades, and, as a natural consequence, London has developed
into the nucleus of the world market. Without India, England would lose
the major part of her trade and, in consequence of such damage to her basic
economic life, she would lose her magnetic power over trade and also her
supremacy in the world market. The fate of India is the fate of England.
The loss of India would mean the loss of all colonies, of commercial and
shipping trades, of the power of self-sufficiency, and of the command over
the foreign sources of supply. Would in such an event Britain be able to
maintain her present existence?
As the British colonies have from the very beginning left to take
care of themselves, it is now quite difficult to re-coordinate the colonial
system. At any rate, it is plain that the economic foundation of Britain, or
the source of Britain's life-blood, is in India, and once the foundation is
swept off from under its feet, the huge structure of the British Empire will
collapse. Without India, England would find the remaining" market of
Australia and Canada too small to absorb her manufactured goods; the
principle of the "trinity of agriculture, industry and commerce" would never
be a reality. Since England would have to look for markets in foreign
countries, her policy of self-sufficiency would be completely ruined; the
25
We have read the history of Spain and Portugal. In the 16th century
these two countries divided the world be-tween themselves and each carved
out a sphere of influence for itself. Their colonial possessions exceeded in
extent the colonial possessions of all the contemporary Powers. It was
simply because Portugal and Spain made no efforts to unite their respective
dominions into one harmonious whole that no mutual love existed between
the mother countries and the colonies, and any suitable opportunity was
immediately seized upon as the excuse for a declaration of independence or
for a transfer of allegiance to another State. Were not the various areas
along the African coast and the Dutch and British possessions in the South
Seas at one time under Portuguese domination? Because Portugal did not
occupy the Cape of Good Hope, Egypt, etc., there was no way for her to
maintain connections between her colonies. Spain, also, failed to build a
chain joining her colonies in Central and South America. The result was
that at the turn of the 19th century all colonies declared their independence
one after the other. In view of the lack of economic ties with the mother
country the defection of the colonies was only too natural, and is no matter
for surprise.
British Government, and even Clive himself might not have realized at the
time that the enterprise he had taken in hand was so closely bound tip with
the future destinies of England. The credit attributed to him in later
generations has therefore been, earned only by accident.
We may thank Heaven that at the time of the British conquest of
India no such Company had a stronghold in China, for otherwise China
would have been conquered too. A British conquest of China in those days
would have been as easy as the conquest of India. Around the year 1860,
China was in the throes of civil strife, and her destiny was absolutely
uncertain. The Manchu Emperor had died during his flight to the North,
and the entire nation was not in a mood to resist foreign invasion. If Gordon
had followed the methods of Clive and used a Chinese army to conquer
China, he would probably have encountered no difficulty. How much easier
the task would have been with the active support from the mother country!
At that juncture, Portugal and Holland had fallen from power while France
and Germany had not yet gained ascendancy. There was no match for
England in a contest for colonies in the East. Since the Crimean War, in
which Russia was defeated by Turkey with the joint assistance of England
and France, England has capitalized on the mutual enmity between France
and Prussia and endeavored to extend her influence in the Orient. Although
the fall of Peking was affected by the joint forces of Britain and France, the
latter had no base of operations in the East. If England, instead of being
content with her trade position, had attempted to conquer China, no country
would have been able to intervene effectively. If England could have
managed within a space of ten years to grab the whole of China, all Asia
would have fallen under British control, for during that period France had
just been defeated by Prussia and the German Empire was still in its
infancy. Had this been the case, Great Britain would not only have retained
its firm grasp on India, but would also have been able to combine the
territories of China and India into one, and secured an impregnable position
in the world due to its monopolistic control of the largest market of the
world. And not only would the present war not have happened, but nobody
would ever have dared to cherish any designs on Britain, except in the
event of a civil war on the British Isles. If we had been English, we would
regret that there had been no genius in England in those days and that a
golden opportunity should have been allowed to escape. But, being
Chinese, we feel that we were very lucky that there was no such a genius in
Following the decline of Portugal, Holland emerged to be for a
time dominant in the East. Owing also to the lack of economic unity she
lost her position of dominance once the Cape of Good Hope and Malacca
fell into the hands of Britain. Had Portugal or Holland gained the
possession of India, England would not have achieved the supreme position
that she now holds in the Orient. Had not Eng-land acquired India, not only
would it have been impossible for her to exploit the Malayan Peninsula but
Canada and Australia would have long ago followed the American example
and declared independence. Thus it is India and India only that ha*s given
England trade prosperity and the resources with which to meet the huge
expenses for the maintenance of British naval power and for the protection
of Australia and Canada. This explains why Britain has not suffered the
same fate as Spain and Portugal, and has, instead, maintained her
supremacy for a century.
There are enterprises which can be accomplished with great facility
but abandoned without being brought to a successful conclusion. There are
also cases in which an enterprise is started by accident and unexpectedly
brings favorable results. The British conquest of India was undertaken
entirely by the British East India Company without the intervention of the
26
England, which gives us a chance today to study the vital problems of
China.
war, Japan's position grew stronger still, and Britain was unable to find any
way to satisfy Japan in the event that the partitioning of China would be
carried out. Japan, on her part, realizes that after the partition of China her
own position would be imperiled, and accordingly she insists on preserving
China's integrity. Just as the entry of France and Germany into the Asiatic
area proved a hindrance to the British policy of conquest, changing it into a
policy of dismemberment, so the ascendancy of Japan effectively put an
end to the European attempts to divide up China, resulting in another
change of British policy into one of maintaining the balance of power.
Under such circumstances Britain has had to be content with only keeping
her dominion over India intact. But, if Britain is content with India, must
other countries be content with leaving Britain secure in the possession of
India? Everybody knows that the answer is in the negative.
As the British Empire depends on India for its main support, it will do
everything in its power to preserve India and will sacrifice everything else
if necessary.
Looking back at the accidental acquisition of India and the
accidental overlooking of China by England, we must say that
unfortunately for England the conquest of India was not followed up with a
conquest of China and that fortunately for China she has not been
conquered. My assertions are supported by historical facts. The success of
her imperialistic policies has helped Britain to retain all that she has
acquired by accident from being also lost by accident. It was by sheer luck
that China has escaped from being conquered by England, but
unfortunately China takes no notice of this fact and is foolishly courting
disaster.
Although Britain has missed the opportunity to conquer China, she
has never abandoned her imperialistic designs. When at the end of her war
France began to devote her efforts to the business of colonization in
competition with England and Germany rose to power and joined in the
contest, England then conceived the idea of partition-ing China, in order to
secure the control of the most important part of the Chinese territory to
serve as a protective wall for the eastern frontier of India, thus redeeming
the mistake that she has made in the past. But, before this project could be
put into execution, Japan suddenly grew into a strong Power in the East and
in a battle defeated China. Subsequently, the signs of China's disintegration
have became more and more pronounced, but the sudden rise of Japan and
the far-sighted policy of Russia have given a serious set back to the plot of
dismembering China. Russia's victory over Turkey rendered it possible for
her to obtain an outlet to the Mediterranean Sea, but her efforts in this
direction were frustrated by England, so Russia had to change her plans and
make attempts on Sinkiang and India to the east of Turkey. To protect her
imperial interests, England could not allow Russia to expand to such an
extent that her own power on the Asiatic Continent would no longer be an
effective restraint on Russia.
The rise of Japan afforded Britain an opportunity to use her as a
weapon against Russia. The Anglo-Russian, rivalry in the East made it
more difficult to arrive at some arrangement for an equitable division of
spoils and consequently the idea of dismemberment gave way to the
principle of the balance of power. In consequence of the Russo-Japanese
27
Chapter VI
cunning as the fox and as changeable as the weather, and they are not
ashamed of themselves. The truth is that formerly Britain was trying to save
Turkey in order to save India, she is obliged to join Russia in attacking
Turkey. It is to be recalled that Britain defeated Russia in a war in 1853;
and in 1877, when Turkey suffered defeat and was negotiating peace with
Russia, Britain induced Germany to join her in exerting pressure on Russia.
Since the defeat of Napoleon, Britain has consistently followed a proFrench and anti-Russian policy, simply because France has been on the
decline and Russia in the ascendant.
BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY DURING THE LAST CENTURY
The secret of the British success in maintaining such a vast empire
is to be found primarily in the traditional foreign policy of Britain. Since
England's defeat of Spain's Invincible Armada, she has been pursuing a
fixed foreign policy, that is, the policy of rallying the weaker countries to
crush the strongest.
In the latter half of the 18th century, England's policy was directed
against France, simply because France in the reigns of Louis XIV and
Louis XV, was the strongest country in Europe; not because England
wanted to redress any possible wrongs suffered by her in the HundredYear's War, nor because England had any territorial ambitions in Europe. In
order to maintain her own interests England cannot allow any country on
the European Continent to grow too strong, and when any country grows
too strong, she must get all the other countries to join her in overthrow-ing
that country.
While France was planning to avenge the defeat she had suffered at
the hands of Prussia, Bismarck was trying to involve England and France in
an internecine struggle. He incited France to join in the scramble for
colonial possessions. Accordingly, France occupied Tunis, Algeria, Annam
and Madagascar, and extended her influence to Morocco. Such action
offended both England and Italy. Bismarck then brought Italy into the
Triple Alliance and set England to fight Russia and France. England at that
time was hostile to Russia and France, but friendly to Germany, and the
worsening of her relations with Russia and France culminated in a clash in
the Orient.
In the century following the war with France, which ended in the
Battle of Waterloo, British power has never waned until today. It must not
be imagined, however, that in all these years she has not been busy in
maintaining the Empire. France since her defeat has not been much of a
menace to England. But the steady growth of Russia has been a threat to
Turkey, and if Turkey should fall into her hands, she would seize Egypt and
use it as a base for the control of the Red Sea. Then England will lose her
command over the Mediterranean, and the door of India will become
insecure.
The British, believing that their power in the East was not strong
enough to combat Russia, took advantage of Japan's anti-Russian feelings,
as a result of Russia's intervention in the cession of the Liaotung Peninsula,
to instigate Japan to resist Russia. Japan's object in her war with Russia
was, according to the Japanese themselves, to obtain Korea and keep the
Three Eastern Provinces from being occupied by Russian troops. In the
eyes of the British, however, the Japanese were only guarding India for
Britain and driving out a British enemy from the East. When Russia was at
the height of her power, Britain tried daily to prevail upon Japan to attack
her; when Russia was on the decline and Japan in the ascendant, Britain
began to employ all kinds of tricks to put Japan in an embarrassing
position. Such has been the consistent British policy during the last hundred
years. Those who are surprised at the ingratitude of Britain have not studied
the history of England.
Accordingly, in the middle of the 19th century England turned her
attention from France to Russia and supported Turkey in her resistance
against Russia under the oft-repeated pretext of "aiding the weak in
resisting the aggressor." Then, as now, the Turks worshipped
Mohammedanism, and were perhaps even more harsh on the Christians
than they are at present. Yet, the Christian British did not hesitate to send
an expeditionary force to aid the "heathen" Turks. Nowadays, it is often
said by the British that Turkish civilization has become unfit for Europe
and must be driven back to Asia where it belongs. The British are as
While Britain was using Japan to check the expansion of Russia,
Germany's power was growing stronger and stronger, so that Britain had to
turn her attention from France and Russia and combine with various
28
countries in an effort to beat Germany. Hence, the present war. Bismarck in
defining Germany's policy said that Germany should allow France to
pursue colonial expansion abroad so that Germany might devote her efforts
to internal reforms, and it was only after Germany had set her own house in
order that she might further her interests abroad.
attack the strongest country with the help of weaker countries, and join the
weakened enemy in checking the growth of a third country. The British
foreign policy has remained basically unchanged for two centuries. When
England befriends another country, the purpose is not to maintain a cordial
friendship for the sake of friendship but to utilize that country as a tool to
fight a third country. When an enemy has been shorn of his power, he is
turned into a friend, and the friend who has become strong, into an enemy.
England always remains in a commanding position; she makes other
countries fight her wars and she herself reaps the fruits of victory. She has
been doing so for hundreds of years.
Presently, France in extending her colonial possessions came into
serious conflict with Britain, as expected by Germany. At that time England
was endeavoring to obtain the exclusive control over Egypt, and France
stood in her way. On the other hand, France was trying to strengthen her
hand in Morocco, and Britain, fearing that such action might jeopardize
Gibraltar, would not permit the French seizure of this northern African port.
A showdown was imminent.
Speaking of the British diplomacy, therefore, England will never
take any country for a permanent friend or enemy, and except for India and
a few other territories essential to the security of India, she is prepared, if
needs be, to part with all her colonial possessions, not excluding the areas
where British influence has always prevailed. Morocco, for instance, was
for a long time under British influence, but when England wanted French
assistance in a fight against Germany, she showed no reluctance in
surrendering it to France. This demonstrates the fact that England is ready
to make every sacrifice to break the power of any formidable rival in
Europe in order to preserve the British Empire, or in other words, to
preserve India.
It happened at this moment, however, that Wilhelm II had
dismissed Bismarck and was trying to extend German influence abroad.
German activities at various points along the eastern and western coasts of
Africa brought Germany into conflict with Britain who was finally
compelled to reach an understanding with France, whereby France pledged
herself to respect the British interests in Egypt and Britain pledged herself
of respect the dominant position of France in Morocco. At that time, Russia
had not yet been defeated in the East. After Russia's defeat, England and
France drew closer together. France proceeded to enforce the understanding
with Britain by armed intervention in Morocco, and the French action
elicited a protest from Germany. The French Foreign Minister Delcassé
then obtained an assurance from Britain that, in the event of an open
conflict between France and Germany, Britain would dispatch 200,000
troops to aid France by an attack on the Kiel Canal through Denmark.
(Such a move would have been the same as the forcible entry of German
troops into Belgium. Britain has not carried it out simply because she has
so far had no occasion to do so, not because she has any regard for
humanitarianism and justice.) Finally, however, the controversy between
Germany and France was settled through mediation. But, thanks to King
Edward VII of England and the French Foreign Minister Delcassé the
Anglo-French Entente has remained a reality up to the present day.
From the moral point of view, to harm others at the expense of
oneself is a sin, but for the promotion of one's own interest nothing is better
than the British policy. In the case of the British alliance with Japan, France
and Russia, the truth is that these countries are not as strong as Germany
and it suits Britain's convenience to join them together and put them under
her leadership.
In Turkey Britain contemplated using the same policy — to cut off
Germany from the Orient, and at the same time restrain the Russian
ambitions. But, as the English often say, blood is thicker than water, and
the British are constantly helping the White men under Turkish control to
dissociate themselves from Turkey and pledge loyalty to Britain. The
declaration of independence by Greece is already an evidence of the British
efforts in this direction. Since then, Britain has been clandestinely aiding
Serbia, Montenegro, Rumania, and Bulgaria in checking the expansion of
Russia.
In the last hundred years England has thus twice changed her
attitude towards France from enmity to friendship, and once towards Russia
and Germany from friendship to enmity. The key policy of England is to
29
As a result, Turkey has steadfastly refused to play into the hands of
Britain and has, instead, formed an alliance with Germany. If the reverse
had been the case, Britain might have offered Turkey as an inducement to
Russia and Constantinople might have long ago fallen under Russian
domination. When, before Turkey's rupture of relations with Britain and
Russia, Britain was trying to induce Turkey to assist her, the entire British
nation was of the opinion that it was solely due to British patronage that
Turkey was able to remain what she was; no account was taken of the
Turkish resentment against Russia, and the belief was entertained that, once
Turkey threw herself into the arms of Britain, advantage could be taken of
her to satisfy the aspirations of Russia. When another country is strong
enough to be utilized, Britain sacrifices her own allies to satisfy its desires,
but when that country becomes too weak to be of any use to herself, she
sacrifices it to please other countries. This is plainly written in history. The
opinion is expressed in some quarters that if Turkey had maintained
neutrality, she would have been safe from Russian and British attacks. But
these people do not know that Britain is willing to give every benefit to her
allies only when her allies are powerful enough to help her to fight her
enemies, and that, when the allies are too weak, she subjects them to torture
for the purpose of pleasing these enemies.
The reason is that the strength of Serbia was already waning, while
Bulgaria was still strong enough to be of service. Is not Albania the object
of Serbia's day-dreams? Both ethnologically and geographically Albania is
closely related to Serbia. Owing to the lack of an outlet to the sea, Serbia
was compelled to exert all her strength in a struggle with Turkey for the
possession of Albanian territory, but in the end Austria stepped in and
thwarted Serbia's ambitions. In view of Serbia's defeat at the hands of
Austria, Britain and France should have offered Albania to Serbia in return
for Serbian assistance. But, in order to win Italian support, England and
France did not hesitate to recognize Albania as within the Italian sphere of
influence. From the way in which Britain treats Serbia, we know that if
Turkey had joined England and Russia in fighting Germany and Austria,
England would not have helped Turkey to frustrate Russian ambitions. As
Turkey's strength would have been exhausted before Russia's, Turkish
interests would have had to be sacrificed to Russia.
In the present war, has Britain any Allies who have not received
any inducement? In the case of Italy and Rumania, the conditions of entry
into the war are territorial promises. In the case of Japan, the inducement is
Shantung and the South Sea Islands. Innumerable promises have been made
to many other countries such as Bulgaria and Greece, though they have not
been accepted. Britain made all these promises at the expense of other
countries; there is not a single case in which she offered anything of her
own. In every instance the promise to an ally is either to take something
from the enemy or to persuade a friend to give up something against his
will. Thus, without any sacrifice of her own interests, England has induced
many Powers to place themselves at her service. She has a wonderful
genius for sacrificing the interests of other countries. She is so merciless
that she will sacrifice any country!
In other words, Britain seeks friendship only with those which can
render her services, and when her friends are too weak to be of any use to
her, they must be sacrificed in her interests. Britain's tender regard for her
friends is like the delicate care usually shown by farmers in the rear-ing of
silkworms; after all the silk has been drawn from the cocoons, they are
destroyed by fire or used as food for fish. The present friends of Britain are
no more than silkworms, and they are receiving the tender care of Britain
simply because there is still some silk left in them. When Serbia attacked
Austria under orders from Russia, she was acting under the indirect
instructions of Britain, Serbia, in taking the initiative and bearing the brunt
of the staking the fate of the nation, was praised as loyal to Britain. But
how has, in return, Britain treated her? Before Bulgaria attached herself to
Germany, did not the British offer her a slice of Serbian territory to induce
her to join the war on the British side? The Anglo-Bulgarian negotiations
failed, but this afforded Britain an excuse for her diplomatic fiasco in the
Balkans. If Britain wanted to satisfy the Bulgarian desires, why did she not
sacrifice her own interest? Why did she not sacrifice Russia's interests?
Why must she sacrifice Serbia's interests?
Serbia has fallen into the British trap and perished. Turkey has,
fortunately, refused the British overtures. If she had accepted the British
overtures, she would have been persuaded to give up Armenia and
Constantinople to Russia in order to induce Russia to send an army against
Germany; a slice of territory in East Turkey would have been given to
Bulgaria in order to win the Bulgarian support for Britain; and a portion of
land in the southwest of Turkey would have been handed over to Greece.
All the Balkan States were wavering in their attitude, because they had
territorial ambitions. If Turkey had declared herself to be a friend of
30
Britain, all the Balkan States would also have pledged their support to
Britain. Not that Turkey is influential enough to command such a big
following, but the fertile soil and the rich resources of Turkey are a
sufficient attraction to the various Balkan States, whose people, in case of
Anglo-Turkish friendship, would flock to that country in large number,
thereby considerably reducing the extent of Turkish territory. In such an
event England would have gained an advantage over Turkey.
became his property. As far as the beggar was concerned no enquiry need
be made into the original ownership of the vinegar. He was grateful to
Wei, of course. But, supposing Wei had told the beggar to approach the
neighbor himself, i.e. our neutral country; although Wei might have
perhaps given the beggar something in addition to the vine-gar, the beggar
would have been grateful to the neighbor, not to Wei. This story illustrates
the fact that the interests of neutral countries cannot be used as bait.
Britain is trying so hard to befriend everybody, not because all friends are
strong enough to give her support but because their interests can be
sacrificed by Britain. We can now see the real value of neutrality.
Therefore, unless a country is strong enough, it must not befriend
England, otherwise it will not escape the fate of being sacrificed. If a
country is not strong enough and does not want to be sacrificed by England,
the best way for it to take is to remain neutral. If, however, a choice must
be made between friendship and enmity for England, one would rather
decide in favor of the later. Notwithstanding any doubt that one may
entertain concerning the for-tunes of the war, an excellent lesson has been
furnished by Serbia and Turkey. Mine-owners, in the South Sea Islands
induce laborers to work their mines by offering the best treatment, but the
moment the laborers come to work, they are treated like beasts and that
there is no chance for escape. Such is the way in which the British treat
their friends. Should a country follow the example of Serbia or that of
Turkey?
The policy which England has pursued for two centuries has
brought her prosperity and greatness. After each victory over a strong
Power in Europe, England seems, on the surface, to have gained for herself
no advantage whatever; all she did, she claimed to be an act of international
chivalry and justice. An analysis of the acts of British statesmen reveals
that they never speak the truth. As British dominions extend all over the
globe, any country that gains ascendancy in Europe inevitably comes into
conflict with the colonial interests of Britain, and in order preserve her
colonial interests, Britain must fight that country to check its expansion. If
the designs of other countries are in distant places, as in the case of France
and Italy whose ambitions are fixed on the northern coasts of Africa, a
compromise with England can be easily reached. But any really strong
country in Europe cannot be satisfied with a few possessions on the African
coasts and must make India the object of its ambitions. As the British
Empire could not be an empire without the possession of India, England
must rally other countries to her side in a struggle against such a strong
Power. England is always prompt enough to nip such a Power in the bud,
so that the world never sees her real intentions and thinks that she is only
chivalrous in thwarting the strong. Everything that England does is for the
purpose of ensuring the security of India.
It may be argued, "It is natural that Britain does not want to
sacrifice her own interests. When she finds it necessary to sacrifice the
interests of other countries, why does she sacrifice the interests of her allies
and leave the interests of neutrals untouched?" The reply to such an
argument is this: not that England does not want to sacrifice the interests of
neutrals, but because she cannot do so. The friends of Britain are friends in
name only. They are absolutely under the control of Britain. As long as
Britain finds them useful, she protects their interests, but as soon as their
usefulness is finished, she offers them for sale to the highest bidder. Since
her friends have the right to be protected, have they not the obligation to
allow their interests to be disposed of as well? Take the exchange of
Morocco for Egypt, for example. If Britain had no influence in Morocco,
France would not have consented to give up Egypt in exchange, and, on the
other hand, if France had no influence over Egypt, England would not have
agreed to give up Morocco in exchange. There is a story in the Analects of
a man named Wei Sheng-kao who asked his neighbor for some vinegar and
gave it to a beggar. As soon as the vinegar passed into Wei's hands, it
However, since the outbreak of this unprecedented war, the
position of Great Britain has changed considerably. With the return of
peace, should England maintain her traditional policy or modify it to meet
changed circumstances? This is the question which requires our
consideration. If we were called upon to work, with our heart and soul, to
evolve a plan on behalf of Britain for the preservation of India and the
British Empire, we would suggest to Britain that her traditional policy
31
should be partly modified and partly left as it is. The principle of
antagonizing the strongest country should be discarded, but the principle of
sacrificing friendly countries which are comparatively weak, must be
adhered to.
present war, her national wealth and manpower will be exhausted at the
conclusion of the war. She will neither be able to fight with Russia herself
nor to set some other country to fight for her, since the lessons of Turkey
and Serbia have been deeply inculcated into the minds of all European
statesmen. It will be impossible for England to find another loyal servant
like Serbia. In the past, at the end of every war from which England and her
allies emerged victorious, she, as the leader of the alliance, invariably
obtained the lion's share of the spoils; so both her enemies and her friends
were afraid of her. In the present war, however, Britain's allies all are aware
of the fact that England is not so formidable as she seems; they have no
longer any respect for her.
Prior to the outbreak of the war England was always able, after
every victory over a strong enemy, to enjoy peace and security for a few
decades, during which period she could, more or less leisurely, make
preparations against the rise of some other country. The country which is
crushed by England has suffered so much that she would be unable to
recover for several decades, while that country against which she is
constantly on the watch would be crushed before it could grow into full
strength. The British policy therefore needs no change in this respect. Since
the ascendancy of Germany, however, England has found the situation out
of control. Just as England was trying to check the growth of France,
Germany came into power and had to be overthrown, so England had to
come to the aid of France before the latter becomes too weak. England was
about to restrain the growth of Russia, but before the latter was completely
vanquished, she feared that Japan might grow too strong and
uncontrollable. Thus in her desperate situation she managed skillfully to
win the support of Russia and France for a war against Germany, and at the
same time coerced Japan into joining her party.
It is obvious, therefore, that after the war England will no longer be
able to control the European situation. On the contrary, should England fail
to win the present war, Russia, knowing that Britain's friendship for her is
insincere, will be unfaithful to her, and Japan, which must have by now
repented her past mistake of playing into the hands of England, will
withdraw her support from her. In such event, Germany will still remain the
strongest country in the world. (A German victory may be prophesied from
the present tendencies of the war. Even if peace should be concluded on the
basis of the American President's proposal envisaging a drawn battle,
Germany will nevertheless remain in a supreme position.) If England
cannot now realize her desire of beating Germany, how can she do so in the
future? This is again as plain as the day and leaves no room for argument.
The present alliance against Germany is the result of ten years of
strenuous efforts on the part of England. Frankly speaking, if we leave out
of consideration the interests of Britain's allies, British policy cannot be but
admitted as a great success. It must be pointed out, however, that the
success cannot be fully satisfactory to England, for granted that Germany
will be defeated, she may rise again from her undying ashes, and, what is
worse, even though France may not become more powerful, it is quite
probable that Russia will grow too strong. Since the cessation of the RussoJapanese hostilities, Russia and Japan, both, have accordingly drawn
themselves closer together, and separated themselves from England. After
the defeat of Germany, Russia may grow too powerful. England may then
desire to fight Russia, but there will be no country to ally with her.
For the sake of safeguarding her future interests, therefore, England
must not take the strongest country as an enemy and must, instead, take the
strongest country as a friend and conspire with it to divide the interests of
the world between themselves. The interests outside her homeland may one
after the other be sacrificed, and in choosing whom to sacrifice she must
start out with the most intimate one. This is the proper policy Britain should
adopt in compensating her friends' efforts to keep India under her
domination.
Furthermore, when England some years ago persuaded Japan into
fighting Russia, her own power has remained absolutely unimpaired.
Supposing that by a stroke of luck England emerges victorious from the
32
Chapter VII
The only country which Britain cannot outdo is Russia. Since the
reformation of Russia by Peter the Great during the early part of the 18th
century, Russia has always cherished the ambition of conquering the world.
The so-called "Peter's Will" is known to all. Furthermore, Russia's
geographical position may prove an asset in the pursuit of her object, for
this least invaded country in Europe is bordered on the north by a vast
desert of ice and snow, and on the east and south by barbarian countries not
only incapable of harassing her, but also well-adapted to satisfy her
territorial aspirations.
BRITAIN'S FOREIGN POLICY IN CASE OF ALLIED VICTORY
Those who are in favor of taking the side of the Allies claim that
the Allies will win, whereas those opposed to it contend that they will lose.
From the standpoint of morality it is absolutely unjustifiable for a country
to rally to the support of another country simply because it will win, or to
desert it simply because it will lose. But in the opinion of the advocates of
war the interests of one's own country must be paramount. The contention
that if it be to the benefit of one's own country no regard should be given to
moral principles may be allowed to stand. Let us now leave aside the
question as to whether the Allies will win or lose, but imagine what
Britain's position will be after the Allies have scored a decisive victory.
Attention is drawn to the fact that what Britain now counts upon to defeat
Germany is not her own armed strength, for, despite her naval force, which
is almost double that of Germany, her blockade of Germany's coasts has so
far proved ineffective, unable to prevent German submarines from playing
terrible havoc among the Allies. Britain has an army of five million men,
yet her military achievements are insignificant.
In every battle Russia has fought, her enemy invariably approached
either from the west or from the southwest. When she triumphed over an
enemy, she always seized his territory to extend her own influence; when
she was defeated, she retreated into a region fortified with natural barriers
so that her enemy could not beat her to her knees. Looking back on Russia's
past, we find that Peter the Great was once defeated by the Swedish King,
Carol XII, but the country of Russia was never conquered. Eight years after
his defeat, Russia took revenge and seized the Swedish coast in the Baltic.
Later, Russia took part in the Seven Years War. She also took advantage of
Poland's feebleness to obtain a share of her land. In spite of the many
reverses suffered by Russia at the hands of France during the Napoleonic
wars, even Napoleon himself could find no way of conquering Russia. In
1812, the French launched an expeditionary campaign against Russia, and,
after winning many battles, finally gained an overwhelming victory at
Borodino. The French occupied Moscow, but finally they were obliged to
retreat under such conditions that their troops were literally annihilated at
Leipzig.
With her prestige lost both on land and at sea, England remains the
leader of the Allies only on account of her ability to furnish them with
financial assistance. After this war, Britain will have no such weapon with
which to deal a fatal blow in other nations. A new nation will thus arise and
assume the leadership of the European nations. France is already in a
declining stage. After the war, she will be so exhausted that it will be
impossible for her to grow strong all of a sudden. As to Italy, although she
is a new nation with a modern Government, her naval and land forces are
too weak to claim much attention. Judging from her failure in the present
war to make much headway against Austria, whatever the reasons, it may
be expected that after the war she will meet with many difficulties. Italy is
not on particularly intimate terms with Britain and France, and against
Germany and Austria she bears a deep grudge. It is evident, therefore, that
Italy will, as yet, not prove a formidable rival to Britain. In East Asia,
Britain may continue to follow the policy of playing Japan off against
Russia, which she has pursued for over a decade, and in addition play off
the United States against Japan.
That Russia after having been defeated could still gain a final
victory over the French was due to no other factor than her favorable
geographical situation. Again, in the middle of the 19th century, Russia
successfully carried out her territorial designs on Turkey. Due to the
resistance of the combined British and French forces, the Czar was killed
and the Russian troops defeated, culminating in the loss of territory and the
dismantling of her fortifications, with her fleet deprived of the freedom to
sail about in the Black Sea. Yet, her power was by no means broken, as
may be inferred from the fact that shortly after she sent out another
expedition eastward to the Persian Gulf. Since the beginning of the 19th
century, Russia has been making attempts to exploit Central Asia. In 1873,
33
she occupied the vital port of Krasnodsk on the Caspian Sea, invaded the
Urt Ust Plateau, and then waited for an opportunity to annex Afghanistan.
Owing to a clash of interests, Persia became a bone of contention between
Britain and Russia, and it was not until 1907 that these two countries
reached an agreement under which the northern part of Persia was
recognized as a Russian sphere of influence, and the southern part as a
British sphere of influence, leaving the central part as a buffer zone. In
consequence of this arrangement, Russia had been prevented from realizing
her ambitions in the Persian Gulf, notwithstanding her endeavors during the
past thirty years. In the East, Russia has met with such strong resistance
from Japan that she has lost even what she has already acquired.
appears that the British foreign policy is far too shrewd for any ordinary
person to see through.
In the present war Britain has every reason to remain neutral, but
she has not done so. On the contrary, just at the moment when negotiations
were under way for a settlement of the questions at issue, she suddenly
informed the French Ambassador in London that she had warned Germany
to be ready for hostilities. This adamant attitude on the part of Britain must
have been the result of calculation and deliberation. Moreover, when
Germany proposed to preserve France and her colonies in return for British
neutrality and enquired whether Britain would remain neutral if Belgium's
neutrality was respected, Britain replied that her freedom of action should
not be interfered with, and she could not pledge herself to take a neutral
stand. (In the light of this, Britain's statement that she is fighting for
Belgium's neutrality is surely a misstatement of fact).
Any other country would have perished under similar
circumstances, but Russia remained intact. In her moments of triumph, she
made her power felt in Sweden, divided Poland, and invaded Central Asia;
when luck was against her, she had only to retreat from Moscow, allow
Sebastopol to be captured, revise the Berlin Treaty, withdraw from Port
Arthur and South Manchuria, and make certain concessions regarding the
Persian Gulf. Russia, occupying a naturally advantageous position, is
impregnable. She is waiting for an opportunity to conquer others.
The above shows that the reason why Britain has endeavored to
prevent France and Russia from fighting alone with Germany, and has
entered the war herself, is that she was terribly scared of Germany.
Although Britain has no grievance against Germany, she is afraid that
Germany may grow too strong. She may succeed in removing the menace,
but then there will still remain the potential danger of Russia. Hitherto,
Germany has been a direct menace to France and Russia and only an
indirect menace to Britain; consequently, Russia and France have played
into the hands of Britain. In the future, however, if Russia should achieve
supremacy, Britain will be directly hit. That is why Britain is so frightened
of Russia.
Britain is certainly no match for her. British diplomacy is
distinguished by ingenuity and versatility. It is the most effective and
efficacious in the world thanks to the far-sightedness and firm character of
those entrusted with the conduct of affairs. In the present war, Britain is
only indirectly involved; the countries directly involved are France and
Russia. Germany can torment France and Russia, because she is superior to
them in military strength. Should France and Russia capitulate, it is
unlikely that Germany will make an immediate onslaught on British soil.
But Britain realizes that if Germany should attain her objects in France and
Russia, she will be the strongest Power in the world, and that it would then
be too late to fight against her. Knowing that Germany will sooner or later
inflict harm on her, Britain joined with France and Russia in an attack
against Germany. It is true that France and Russia has grudges against
Germany, and have become Allies for this reason. It was not however until
the dispute arose over Morocco and the annexation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina that they came into irreconcilable conflict with Germany, and
finally resorted to force to settle the issues. In both cases England was in
the background urging France and Russia to resist Germany. From this it
In the meantime, Russia is fighting Germany on behalf of England
and is making good progress. If at this moment Britain should unite with
another country to attack Russia, then all the other countries will take a
lesson from Russia and desist from aiding Britain. This is a possibility
which British statesmen cannot afford to overlook. If Germany is
vanquished, she will have to renounce all ideas of an eastern adventure and
thus will avoid friction with Russia. France and Italy have always
maintained close relations with Russia. There is no desire on the part of the
United States to meddle with the affairs of Eastern Europe and Central
Asia. Japan has already adopted a friendly attitude towards Russia. Under
such circumstances it will be impossible for Britain to find any ally against
34
Russia. In view of this, Britain will be obliged to change her tactics and
unite with Russia at the proper opportunity. As no amount of eloquence can
convert Russia into an ally, Britain will have to offer some benefit to
prevent her from invading India. Moreover, the benefit must be something
which Britain can afford to give; it must not be merely a verbal promise.
land. Every country which sets out to acquire colonies, hopes to find
colonies which can supply her with raw materials and markets for her
industrial output, so that her people may riot have to go abroad to earn a
comfortable living.
Hence, a desirable colony must be one with a large, industrious
population, which can provide the mother country with an abundance of
raw materials and which has an increasing power of consumption. Any
colony which has been developed entirely by emigrants from the mother
country, has at first no such power of consumption, but finally grows into a
self-sufficient organization which cannot be held under control. As to
colonies inhabited by people of a different race, however, the ruling
country can treat the natives unjustly and keep them perpetually in a state
of serfdom, so that a profitable trade can be carried on forever by the ruling
country and the colony thus always be a market for her industrial products.
In the present day world, these are the best qualifications for a new colony,
and the only countries which possess all the qualifications are China and
India.
What if Britain offers her possessions in Africa as art inducement
to Russia? The answer is that the acquisition of some plots of land on the
African continent is of no use to Russia's national economy. Should Britain
give up, say, Egypt as an additional offer to Russia, she will lose her
connection with India and be compelled to revert to the ancient route via
the Cape of Good Hope. As this would be tantamount to suicide, Britain
will not allow Egypt to be taken from her. At any rate, it is certain that
Russia will not be content with a few coastal acquisitions in Africa.
Suppos-ing, again, that Britain should make some territorial concessions in
Asia and surrender, say, Persia and Afghanistan to Russia, the frontiers of
India would be exposed to danger. In any case, such concessions would not
satisfy Russia's wild ambitions. Therefore, Britain must sacrifice India to
win Russia's alliance, unless, of course, she can find a gift as good as India.
As China is best qualified to become a second India and is the most
acceptable alternative to Russia, it is inevitable that she will be sacrificed in
lieu of India as soon as an Anglo-Russian rapprochement is reached.
Both China and India may be useful to Russia in her efforts to
attain prosperity, and so, for her own interests, Russia probably would
gladly take China as an alternative to India. Using the transport facilities
afforded by the double-tracked Siberian Railway, Russia has long ago
completed arrangements for encircling North Manchuria, Outer Mongolia
and Sinkiang. Should Britain help Russia to check the power of Japan,
Russia can march southwards without any hindrance. There is no doubt that
if Britain desires an alliance with Russia after the termination of hostilities,
Russia will readily agree to such an alliance. In such an event, Britain will
be able to annex Arabia, Persia, Afghanistan and other countries, as well as
Tibet, and take the Caucasian and Kunlun Mountains and the Caspian Sea
in the north as her natural boundaries.
A country must find colonies when its population is daily
increasing and its national wealth is exhausted. The acquisition of colonies
helps to avert the danger of overproduction. If a colony is situated in an arid
and cold region that requires reclamation, considerable funds must be
ex-pended before it can become prosperous. There is also the likelihood
that, when such a colony has grown prosperous, the colonial population
will think itself full-fledged enough to desert its mother country. Britain has
already lost the United States as a colony, and may yet lose Australia and
Canada. This is due to no other reason than the productive power of a new
colony is furnished by the settlers. In colonies where there are few natives,
the native population has little capacity for production and consumption.
After a colony has been fully developed, its production map is barely
sufficient for its own consumption, so it cannot benefit its mother country.
Every citizen loves his fatherland. Bound to the land of birth by ties of
consanguinity and friendship, no man will emigrate unless the advantages
offered by another country are many times those which he enjoys in his
When things come to such a pass, the position of France, Italy, and
the Balkan States will be worse than that of Britain and Russia, and the
coastal areas on both sides of the Mediterranean will fall under British
domination. Britain will then have the whole of Europe under her thumb
just as she has Spain and Portugal under her thumb today. As Britain will
be mistress of the sea, while Russia will be supreme on land, there will be
no conflict of interests, and peace may reign over the earth, possible for a
35
century. It is not difficult to foresee Britain's attitude in case of her victory
in the present war. And if at the conclusion of the war the British statesmen
should miss the rare opportunity to further British interests along the lines
suggested above, we shall doubt their loyalty to their own country.
Chapter VIII
CONSEQUENCES OF ALLIED DEFEAT OR STALEMATE
Let us imagine what the conditions in the world will be if the Allies
should be defeated. Being the leader of the Allies, Britain has the authority
to propose an armistice, and can always, at a favorable moment, choose to
make peace. It is also up to Britain to decide when to negotiate peace
should neither side wins a decisive victory.
Britain and her Allies anticipated at first that if they attacked
Germany and Austria with their combined total strength, which they
believed was many times greater than, that of Germany and Austria, the
war would be brought to an end in less than a month. But things have,
turned out contrary to their expectations and the war has dragged on
indefinitely. Russia has repeatedly suggested an armistice, and a Peace
Movement has been set on foot by the Caillaux group in France. Having
perceived this trend of affairs, Britain hastened to take steps to prevent
peace from being made by any of her Allies. As a result, a Pact has been
signed according to which the Allies undertook not to negotiate peace
separately [Declaration between the British, French and Russian
Governments of September 5, 1914.]; to this Pact Japan and Italy have also
become signatories. The Allies are thus prevented from negotiating peace
without Britain's consent, while, on the other hand, whenever Britain wants
to make peace, the other Allied countries will undoubtedly give their
consent. This is because Britain holds the purse strings of France and
Russia, and has also the power to deal them a fatal blow by suddenly
discontinuing her supply of coal to France and of munitions to Russia.
Under such circum-stances, France and Russia must always agree with
Britain, having by the said Pact virtually delegated to her the full authority
of making peace.
Thus empowered, Britain is in a position to bring Germany to
accept such peace terms as may provide a suitable basis for a future AngloGerman rapprochement, whatever the final outcome of the war may be.
Although Britain and Germany are at war, Britain can always get into close
contact with Germany. Whether Britain will actually get into close touch
with Germany or not, however, depends on the following two conditions:
36
(1) Whether or not Britain will find it necessary to enter
into an alliance with Germany. (This is one of the
questions to be discussed in this Chapter.)
(2)
Since its establishment as a State, Prussia has gone through
alternating experiences of glorious triumph and ignominious defeat; she
cannot afford to remain stagnant. Her military system has been reformed on
three occasions, and each reform brought wonderful results. Under the
direction of Frederick the Great Germany became a military State and rose
to the rank of a great Power. In title Napoleonic wars, however, she was
defeated and fell into a helpless condition. Seeing her country humiliated
by France, Queen Louisa planned for revenge. Due to re-strictions imposed
on her by France, Prussia had at that time very few troops, so Scharnhorst
introduced the system of conscription to build up a large army. As a result,
the Prussian army, towards the end of the last Napoleonic war, was more
powerful than the army of any other country on the European Continent. In
the reign of Wilhelm I the Prussian military system was further improved
and the army increased, and after inflicting a defeat on Austria and France,
Wilhelm I founded the German Empire. Owing to her geographical
position, which gives her no chance for natural development, Prussia must
go out and fight for expansion. Defeat only temporarily arrests her growth.
Such being the case, unless the Allies win the present war, the German
influence will spread all over the world. As soon as any country begins to
extend its influence, it inevitably comes into conflict with Britain a natural
result of the British possession of colonies almost everywhere in the world,
as has been described already in a preceding Chapter.
How far the other Allied powers will adhere to the
terms of the said pact. Up to the present, many
rumors have already been circulated to the effect that
Russia would make a separate peace with Germany,
and Italy has officially announced that if German and
Austrian troops are increased, it will be unable to
hold out against them without British and French
reinforcements. It is open to question whether Russia
and Italy are willing to suffer the same fate as Serbia,
Belgium, Montenegro and Rumania. If Russia and
Italy make a separate peace, Britain will be likely to
suffer.
Since Britain has the full control of the situation, she certainly will
think out some way to exercise that power in the event of the Allies not
winning the war, including the eventuality of the war resulting in a draw.
Britain's posi-tion is such as has been explained already in Chapter VI. If
she cannot pursue the traditional policy of antagonizing the most powerful
nation, as she has done during the past hundred years, she will have to
befriend that most powerful nation. If the Allies cannot win the war, they
will have no hope of ever destroying the German militarism, and after the
war Germany will still remain the strongest country. It is not unreasonable
therefore to presume that Britain will adopt a friendly attitude towards
Germany.
How is Britain going to protect herself against the expansion of
German power and influence? Just as in case of victory she will befriend
Russia, so, when she realizes the futility of an armed contest with Germany,
she will probably divide the spoils of war with Germany. If she does not do
so, German influence will spread to the Mediterranean and the Persian
Gulf, thus threatening Egypt and Persia. To deprive Britain of Egypt is to
cut her throat, and to rob her of India is to take the ladder away from under
her feet. She will never allow this to be done to her. It must not be
imagined for a moment that Britain does not desire to retain forever her
supremacy in Europe. The fact is that even if she wins the present war, she
will never be able to retain her supremacy, and that she will have no option
but to reach a rapprochement with Germany. This is a case of "necessity
gives birth to probability." Because Britain desires to attain the above
object, she will constantly do her utmost to prevent peace negotiations as
long as Germany refuses a rapprochement with her. If Germany knew all
this and offered reasonable concessions to satisfy Britain, Britain would
Germany's position is quite different from Russia's. The two
countries have established their Governments on different principles and
have gone through different experiences. Russia is immune from attacks on
all sides except from the southwest. She is also protected by lakes and
rivers and by the rigors of her climate. Germany, on the contrary, is
surrounded on all sides by hostile countries. While Russia's fundamental
policy is seclusion and conservatism, Germany can follow no other policy
than one of rapid progress. Modern history shows that Russia has remained
intact in spite of repeated military reverses.
37
certainly make peace on behalf of the Allies. At the time of the signing of
the "No-Separate-Peace Pact," Britain knew that it is she and only she alone
that can block the way to peace negotiations or help to bring them to a
success-ful conclusion. It is quite conceivable that Germany would offer
some special advantages to Britain as the condition for not breaking-up
peace negotiations, even if the Allies should be defeated.
countries to realize their common interests, while feelings and emotions are
factors which change from time to time. No permanent policy can be
founded on the basis of such factors. To bring about a true community of
interests between two countries, each must be resolved to make concessions
to the other. In case of reconciliation between two countries, each must
adopt a long-range view and make concessions necessary for the
development of both. If Britain and Germany reach a rapprochement on
this basis, Germany will abandon the ambition of invading India and
exploiting Africa, and, instead, devote its efforts to the exploitation of the
Far East. Hence Britain will remain the Empire that she is and Germany can
succeed with her Drang nach dem Osten. We therefore reaffirm that an
Anglo-German Alliance will be the natural result of the present conflict.
It is thus necessary and therefore probable that Britain will come to
a rapprochement with Germany and will find some way to satisfy the latter
country. Although Germany has colonies in Africa, she cannot carry out her
policy of occupying the whole width of that continent. Germany will never
be satisfied with minor colonial acquisitions on the African coast.
Germany's exploitation of Persia is only a preliminary step to the conquest
of India; she will never be satisfied with the occupation of Central Asia
only. To gratify Germany's desire, Britain must offer China as an
inducement, as she would have to do also in case of an alliance with
Russia.
Historically, ever since the time of Frederick the Great, Britain has
been an ally of Prussia, or at least observed strict neutrality in every war
involving Prussia. Except for some short-lived conflicts during the last few
years, there have never been any serious differences between England and
Germany. Ethnologically, the Anglo-Saxons are a branch of the Teutonic
race, and as a result of unceasing contact between the British and German
peoples, British and German bloods have mixed together to a considerable
extent. Hence, the British and Germans are more closely related to each
other than the French and Belgians. There is not much racial difference
between the British, the Americans, the Germans, and the Austrians. Once
Britain and Germany lay down their arms and try to forget their differences,
they will find it even easier to form a Teutonic alliance than in the case of
Germany and Austria.
The success of an alliance does not depend on a treaty, but on
common interests. As has been explained in a previous Chapter, Britain has
no urgent necessity to engage iii a war with Germany. Since Britain cannot
attain her object of crushing the most powerful nation, she must, in order to
preserve her own existence, forego the benefits she hopes to acquire for the
sake of the benefits already acquired. With Britain's help, Germany will
obtain the benefits which she desires. Thus the two countries will have
common interests and will form a natural alliance. For example, Italy,
which is a close neighbor of France and which has achieved independence
with French assistance, entered the Triple Alliance against France when she
wanted some territory on the northern coast of Africa and found her
interests identical with those of Germany and Austria. After her war with
Turkey, her interests began to conflict with Austria's, and she began to
develop a friendly attitude towards France. The feeling of racial affinity
revived, and gratitude was expressed for the past French assistance in
helping Italy to establish herself as an independent State.
If anyone is startled at the suggestion of the possibility of an
Anglo-German alliance, he has probably not read history. Any doubt
concerning this possibility may be dispelled by considering the case of
Japan and Russia. Only ten years ago these two countries threw the full
weight of their strength into a war between themselves. Japan's declaration
of war against Germany took place only a little over eight years after the
conclusion of the Portsmouth Treaty. I happened to be in Tokyo at the time
when Japan and Russia were engaged in peace negotiations and saw the
intense excitement of the Japanese people who accused Komura, the
Japanese delegate to the Peace Conference, of being a traitor, and the
Premier Taro Katsura of incompetence. Police headquarters were set on fire
and officers assaulted, until finally the Japanese Cabinet was overthrown.
It is therefore plain that international friendships and enmities as
well as promises and agreements are always changing according to
circumstances and can therefore not be permanently relied upon. The socalled "racial ties" are only a circumstance which makes it easier for two
38
Public opinion was then not in favor of peace negotiations with Russia.
But, after the brief span of ten years, the entire Japanese nation had
changed their attitude towards the Russians so completely that they
welcomed enthusiastically all news of Russian victories.
moment the entire British nation is watching the developments of the ItaloTurkish conflict and is worried over the militarism, expansionism and
despot-ism of the Central European Powers. In reality, it is quite easy for
Britain and Germany to reach an understanding, and very difficult for
Britain and Russia to re-adjust their relations. To win Germany's friendship,
Britain should allow her access to the Adriatic Sea and Constantinople; thus
Britain will be able to avoid a conflict with Germany in the Atlantic." This
shows that before the outbreak of the war a part of the British people were
not in favor of a conflict with Germany. There is no doubt that after the
conclusion of the war such ideas will easily gain popularity.
Feelings and emotions change according to time and circumstance.
The foreign policy of any country should be determined according to the
permanent interests of the country, not according to the feelings and
emotions prevailing at the moment. In the light of the relations between
Japan and Russia, we can form a conjecture as to the future relations
between Britain and Germany. It' was not until Bismarck had retired from
the Prussian Government that Britain fell out with Germany, and the policy
of opposing Germany was adopted after the visit to France of King Edward
VII. About three years after the annexa-tion of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Germany proposed to Britain the resumption of friendly relations.
Following the settlement of Morocco Incident in 1911, England secretly
sent Mr. (later Viscount) Haldane, Secretary of War, to Germany to discuss
a plan for co-operation. Although the details of the plan are unknown, it is
understood that the main questions discussed were the slowing down of the
naval race between the two countries, and mutual observance of neutrality
in case of war. The negotiations proved abortive, but it does not mean that
the two countries did not want to come to an understanding.
Therefore, it is probable that when the war is over it will be
necessary for Britain to reach a rapprochement with Germany. By taking
advantage of the "No-Separate-Peace Pact," Britain may gain the friendship
of Germany, and will inevitably give China to Germany in exchange for
German friendship after the war.
Whether Britain will win the war or not, she is in danger of losing
her power. It is only by changing her traditional policy and forming an
alliance with some strong Power on the basis of mutual benefit that she will
be able to enjoy a long period of peace. Since she must benefit her ally
without impairing her own interests, we can be sure that she will sacrifice
the interests of some other friendly nation, a nation over which she
exercises some control as a quasi-protectorate.
According to the British, such an action would not jeopardize her
friendship with France and Russia. But is this really so? In a speech in the
House of Commons in 1911, the British Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward
Grey, stated that, "Although it is desirable to make a new friend, we dislike
the idea of losing an old friend in order to win a new friend. We will make
every effort to form new friendships, but never shall we desert our old
friends." These are fine words, indeed, but it is understood that on the day
follow-ing Haldane's departure for Germany the French and Rus-sian
Ambassadors in London hastily called at the British Foreign Office to make
enquiries concerning Haldane's mission to Germany. Was Grey honest in
his speech? It happened that the Anglo-German negotiations produced no
successful results, or else, Anglo-German alliance would have long been a
reality and the present war would probably have been avoided. Can we be
sure that after the war Britain will not form an alliance with Germany? A
year before the outbreak of the Great War, Johnston, a British authority on
colonial affairs wrote a book on Foreign Policy in which he said, "At this
Whether Britain will choose Germany or Russia for an ally, China
will be the first to suffer at her hands. Considering the difference in
character and intellect between the Russians and the Germans, it is probable
that the Russian would treat the Chinese more cruelly than the Germans
would do, as may be proved by past experiences. Those who say that the
Allies will win and therefore advocate China's entry into the war must be
laboring under the delusion that China will gain benefits and honors from
an Allied victory. They do not realize that China, with Russia at her back,
will suffer a worse fate in case of an Allied victory than in case of an Allied
defeat.
Whether the Allies will win or not, China will be Britain's victim.
Whether the Allies will win or not, Japan will be adversely affected as a
result of China's entry into the war. There is no doubt that, if Britain turns
39
China over to Russia, Russia will resume her drive southward and as a
result the Japanese will be unable to enjoy peace and security in Manchuria
and Korea. Although Japan and Russia have recently concluded an
agreement, the agreement merely provides for the readjustment of their
interests. In the meantime Russia's attention is engrossed by her war with
Germany. When her formidable enemy is defeated, she will befriend
Britain and try to gratify her own desires by seizing the fertile areas in the
East. Since Britain hopes that Russia will not invade India, it is only
reasonable to assume that she will in future help 'Russia to suppress
Japanese influence in China.
Chapter IX
CHINA AND JAPAN: NATURAL FRIENDS –
UNNATURAL ENEMIES
It is clear now that without India Britain will only be a third-rate
Power. The method hitherto employed by Britain for preserving India is to
allow no country in Europe to become stronger than herself. After the
present war, however, she will be compelled to abandon this policy and to
join hands with either Russia or Germany. In either case, China will be
sacrificed for the preservation of India. It is an open secret that while the
war is still in progress the British are preparing their victims in anticipation
of a post-war alliance with either Russia or Germany. The fact can not be
dissembled. It is lamentable that the would-be victims should be so willing
to place themselves at the disposal of Britain and allow themselves to be
tortured and mangled. It is precisely for this purpose that the British are
exerting their utmost to persuade China to join the war on the side of the
Allies.
Under such circumstances, what steps will Japan take to defend
herself? If Japan pushes her influence southward she will come into conflict
with Russia. Being defenseless and helpless, she will be doomed to national
extinction as the result of an Anglo-Russian alliance. The fall of Japan will
spell disaster for the whole of the Yellow race. In such case, Asia will
forever be held in slavery by Europeans. This point is quite evident and
needs no elaboration. On the other hand, if Britain is defeated and aligns
herself with Germany, Germany will likewise endeavor to check Japanese
influence in order to extend her own influence in Asia. From the above, it
can be seen that the fate not only of China, but of Japan as well, turns on
the question of China's entry into the war – a question to which all Asiatics
should give their serious attention.
It will probably be argued, "If we do not join the war we shall be in
imminent danger, but, if we do join the war, the danger will be staved off,
at least for the time being. Since China has not the power of self-defense,
continued observance of neutrality will not deter Britain from sacrificing
her. She had better, therefore, make haste to win America's friendship in the
hope of securing moral support." Such argument is not absolutely
unreasonable, but the fact is that China in her present situation cannot
afford to succumb to brute force and shut her eyes to impending danger. As
America will never antagonize a strong world Power for the sake of a
country in which she has no interest, she can not be relied upon by China.
Europeans and Americans talk about justice and righteousness only
for themselves, not for the Yellow race. The American nation, whose
Constitution is based on the principles of equality and liberty, was the first
to advocate discrimination against the Yellow race. The United States may
at this moment show us friendliness and sympathy, but when the time
comes for Britain, Russia, and Germany to join their efforts to conquer
China, will she oppose the conquest by using her whole strength to
champion the cause of a different race?
40
Let us take Korea as an example. For thousands of years Korea was
a tributary State of China. It was the United States that first seduced Korea
into separating herself from China and sent a diplomatic representative to
negotiate a treaty with that country. [Treaty of May 22, 1882, negotiated by
Commodore Shufeldt and the first treaty between Korea and a Western
Power, the British and German treaties being of a date eighteen months
later. –Editor] Yet, when Britain and Japan entered into an alliance, and
Korea was about to be annexed by Japan, the United States was the first to
recall her minister from Korea, instead of responding to the Korean appeal
for assistance. Resentful as the Korean intellectuals are towards Japan on
account of the annexation of their country, they are even more so towards
the United States for persuading it into a declaration of independence and
then leaving it in the lurch. It is the old parable of a man that helped another
with a ladder to ascend to the top of a hundred-foot tower and then snatched
it away from under his feet. It is the United States that made Korea ascend
the ladder and then snatched it away from under her feet.
attitude we have meant to adopt towards Germany, not by any acts that
have actually been committed against her. Besides, any fault which we may
have committed can yet be rectified; but it is no use for us to try to gloss
over our mistakes. The Japanese landing at Lungkow was agreed to by
China because of force of circumstances. To be more exact, China was
indirectly driven to do so by the British. As is generally known by all, the
Chinese Government originally had no intention of allowing the Japanese
to disembark. The Book of Changes rightly says: "Do not look back upon
your distant past, and do not content yourself with only regretting your
misconduct." It is wrong to violate one's neutrality even under coercion, but
coercion may be regarded as an extenuating circumstance. If China would
hereafter maintain an impartial attitude and would not submit again to
coercion, she will in time redeem her past errors and recover her honor and
dignity. If no strong protest was lodged by Germany after the Japanese
landing at Lungkow China would still be able to maintain neutrality. Had
there been a protest but no rupture of relations, neutrality could still be
maintained. Even now, after the severance of relations, there is still a
chance, though probably the last chance, to remedy the situation, provided
that we do not join the war. Although we have broken off relations with
Germany, we may yet rectify our conduct by refusing to join the Allies in
spite of their coercion.
However, the United States cannot be blamed for such action. As
long as Korea existed as an independent State, Japan had no room for
expansion. So far as the United States is concerned, the annexation of
Korea cost her nothing more serious than an indirect, slight loss of trade. It
should have been expected that a transient feeling of sympathy could not
avail against the Japanese determination to annex Korea, which for Japan at
that time was a matter of life or death. Korea perished because it had relied
upon somebody who could not be relied upon; the United States is not
responsible for the fact of others putting faith in her and her promises. At
present China is likely to suffer the same fate as Korea has suffered, and the
United States will be reproached again for not offering any assistance.
When this happens, it will be too late to consider the suggestions to
reprieve the blunder committed in the first instance. Furthermore, should
the United States really want to come to our assistance she will do so
regardless of our entry into the war.
It is never too late to repent and there is no crime greater than to try
to cover up wrongs done. If China would now show a strong determination
not to yield to force, she will be respected for her bravery, instead of being
looked upon as a servant of the Allies and a lackey of Britain. Nobody will
then be able to sacrifice her. The best thing is to behave well from the
beginning to the end, and the second best is to behave badly at the
beginning but well at the end, which is difficult enough for anybody. By
showing the world that China can achieve a difficult task, she can avoid
being sacrificed. As it is, she imagines that since she has already violated
her neutrality on one occasion, there is no need for her to act cautiously. In
my opinion, the fact that China has violated her neutrality and several
relations with Germany on account of force of circumstances, makes it all
the more necessary for her to stiffen her attitude against Allied pressure in
order to redeem the wrong that she has already committed. By following
such a line of conduct she will be able to main-tain her independence in the
future. From now on, she should guard herself against such actions as to
It is stated in some quarters that China has long ago violated her
neutrality, that ever since she allowed the Japanese to land at Lungkow she
has forfeited the friendship of the Germans, and that after the severance of
relations neutrality is impossible whether war is declared or not. Such
opinion shows crass ignorance. In considering the question as to whether
China should maintain neutrality or not, we should judge ourselves by the
41
permit the Japanese landing at Lungkow and the severance of relations with
Germany. She must not persist in her misconduct.
she will not be grateful to Britain for offering her China. The reason is that
although Britain occupies a leading position in the China market, she
cannot go so far as to claim that she alone can dispose of China in any way
she likes. This fact has become more apparent since the break of the war. If
Britain should fail to induce China to join the war on the side of the Allies,
Britain's acquiescence in the conquest of China by another Power will be
no more than an ordinary gesture, and cannot be regarded as a favor. If
Britain's acquiescence cannot be regarded as a favor, the future strongest
country will be under no obligation to enter into an alliance with Britain in
consideration of Britain's attitude of acquiescence. As has repeatedly been
stated above, if the Allies should win the war, Britain will be obliged to ally
with Russia, and, if the Allies should lose, Britain will be obliged to ally
with Germany. This is so from the British point of view.
There is of course the prospect that even continued observance of
neutrality may not save China from being sacrificed. But let it be
understood that if China joins the Allies she will be sacrificed for the
interests of two countries; whereas, if she maintains neutrality, she may be
sacrificed only for the interests of one country. If China joins the Allies, her
interests will be sacrificed to satisfy the desire of some strong country
which has not yet acquired sufficient colonial possessions. On the other
hand, if she continues to observe neutrality other countries will probably
fight for the possession of India, instead of for the possession of China,
thereby affording her an opportunity gradually to remedy the situation.
Therefore, if China joins the Allies, she is doomed to perish, but, if she
continues to observe neutrality, the chances are that she will be able to
preserve her existence. In short, the question as to whether China should
join the war or not is a vital problem to China.
But whether Germany or Russia, as the case may be, will find it
necessary to ally with Britain after the conclusion of the war, depends on
what advantages Britain has to offer. If Britain cannot offer China as a part
of her own property to Germany or Russia, Germany or Russia will take
China without thanking Britain. After the conclusion of the war, unless
Russia and Germany will seek an alliance with Britain, they will fight for
the possession of India before they try to conquer China. Why?
Let us turn aside from the subject of war. Among the European
Powers is there anyone who has not the power to conquer China? The fact
that they all have the power' to conquer China and yet have not done so up
to the present time, is due to (1) the Balance-of-Power Theory, and (2)
convenience of exploitation. The Balance-of-Power Theory is known to
everybody, so there is no need to expatiate upon it. As to exploitation, the
various Powers realize that even an unconquered China can give them
enough benefits, so they are not in a hurry to conquer her. However, after
they have settled all the issues between themselves, they will begin their
work of conquering the whole of China. As the time is still not yet ripe, an
attempt by any Power to grab China will lead to a dispute with other
Powers. Not only will such a Power be unable to monopolize the interests
of China, but it will also be hated by the other Powers for being the first to
take China. Accordingly, the suggestion to partition China was abandoned
in favor of the proposal to preserve China's integrity.
The reason is that with the loss of India the British Empire will be
destroyed, and that Russia and Germany may then use the rest of their
strength to conquer China without undue haste. After Russia or Germany
has obtained India, she will probably be so satisfied as to be in no particular
hurry to conquer China. Judging from the colonial exploitation by Russia
and Germany in the past few years and from the factors contributing to the
outbreak of the present war, I am convinced that, unless China herself looks
for trouble, Russia and Germany will after the war expand their influence in
Eastern Europe and Central Asia with Egypt and India as their chief
objectives. Since her defeat in the Blast, Russia has reached an
understanding with Japan, abandoned her project to exploit the Far East,
and devoted her entire efforts to the exploitation of Eastern Europe. Britain
has not only promised Constantinople to Russia but divided Persia into
British and Russian spheres in influence. This is why Russia is now
fighting on the side of the Allies.
If China thus continues to maintain her neutrality without changing
her attitude at all, she will be in the same condition after the war as she was
before. For, in the event of an overwhelming victory for Germany, Britain
will not be able to offer China to Germany as the price for a German
alliance. On the other hand, if Russia should become the strongest Power,
42
Therefore, should Russia win the war, she will put Rumania,
Bulgaria, Serbia, and Montenegro under her leadership, occupy
Constantinople and turn Turkey into a vassal State. Then Egypt will also
fall into her hands. At the same time, she will extend her influence from the
Caucasus to Persia. The transport facilities which have been completed in
these regions during the present war will be utilized by Russia for an
invasion of India. Britain will be obliged to ally with Russia, but Russia
herself has no necessity of allying with Britain.
country over the China market, the larger the benefits obtainable by it from
China. In this light, any country which occupies India can enjoy the major
part of the benefits from China, even if China remains independent. On the
contrary, if any country occupies China, without occupying India, it will be
unable to extract any benefits whatever from India. Incidentally, this is why
China has so far enjoyed independence. It is just because China does not
side with any one country to harm the interests of another country, thereby
allowing every country a fair chance of competition in obtaining benefits
from her, that the Powers have so far refrained from serious efforts to
conquer her.
To obtain China or India, Russia will have to use force. Any
attempt to seize China will be assisted by Britain but resisted by Japan, and
any attempt to seize India will be assisted by Japan but resisted by Britain.
If Russia should try to seize India after grabbing China, Britain will by that
time have developed her economic resources and improve her military
power to such an extent that it will be practically impossible for Russia to
succeed in the attempt. If, on the other hand, Russia should first grab India,
Japan will not have conquered China by the time the grabbing process is
finished, and China's interests will still remain intact. From Russia's
viewpoint, it is advisable to seize India first. The same applies to Germany.
That is why Germany adopted the so-called "Berlin-to-Baghdad" Railway
Project, the purpose of which was to obtain access to India via Persia. It is
certain that if Germany should win the present war, she will form an
alliance with Bulgaria and Turkey and include Serbia, Montenegro, and
Rumania in the German Federal State, thereby extending Germany's eastern
frontier to Persia. The purpose of any attempt to grab Persia is to grab
India. As Germany has long been making preparation in this direction, a
sudden change of policy to the conquest of China situated farther east will
necessitate fresh preparations on a large scale. That is another reason why it
is not worth while for Germany first to conquer China. Therefore, unless
China ranges herself on the side of the Allies, placing herself at the disposal
of Britain, the various Powers will follow the line of least resistance, that is
to say, will try to take India first.
As long as China maintains strict neutrality, the various Towers
will feel that it is more advantageous td leave China independent than to
divide her up among themselves. The moment China shows any partiality
toward any particular country, the various Powers will decide to conquer
her. It must be emphasized that should Germany or Russia occupy China
and leave Britain in possession of India, they will never have an
opportunity to occupy, or obtain any benefits from India, but, if Germany
or Russia should seize India from Britain, China's interests will still remain
intact, and will never be monopolized by Japan.
In other words, any country which possesses India may at the same
time derive benefits from China, but any country which occupies China
without occupying India, cannot draw any benefits from India. Therefore, it
will not serve the best interests of Germany and Russia to ally themselves
with Britain for the purpose of conquering China. Britain can attain her
object only if China would by her own action upset the present condition of
things, thereby enabling Britain to offer her as a favor to some other
country. That is why I say, "China's entry into the war will be beneficial to
Britain only." After China's entry, Britain will be able to use her as a tool to
be utilized in any way she likes. Therefore, participation in the war is a
course leading to national extinction; the only way to preserve our national
existence is to maintain neutrality.
It is noteworthy that China is at present a free world market, which
offers all foreign countries an equal chance for exploitation. Economically,
any foreign country can draw large benefits from China without occupying
her ter-ritory. The Open Door Policy and the "maintenance of China
territorial integrity," are just as advantageous to foreign countries as the
actual conquest of China. Accordingly, the greater the influence of any
After China's entry into the war, Britain will regard her as a vassal
State and will be in a position to prevent any other Power from taking
China. In such event, Britain's permission to conquer China will be looked
upon as a favor. Any country which has Britain's gracious permission to
occupy China will of course be benefited, and Britain by giving China, as a
43
present to that country will be able to preserve her own interests. That is
why I say, "After China's entry she will be sacrificed for the in-terests of
two countries." Needless to say, it is more likely that China will be
sacrificed for the interests of two countries than for the interests of only one
country.
her to avoid disaster is to remain neutral, the idea that, since an Allied
victory is now a moral certainly, China must throw in her lot with the
Allies, is absolutely untenable. I repeat, the only way now left to save
China from peril is to maintain neutrality.
There are many ways certain to ruin a country, but there is\o
definite way to ensure its existence. If anyone of the factors which may
cause the ruination of a country occurs, the country will be doomed. On the
other hand, suppression of any one of the factors does not always mean that
the security of the country is ensured. It is therefore evident that if China
does not maintain neutrality she will perish, although, if she does maintain
neutrality, nobody can be sure that she will continue to exist. Even in the
present age the principles of diplomacy still deserve some consideration,
but the matter is not so simple as merely making an alliance with one
country for the purpose of resisting another, as many of my contemporaries
seem to think.
In discussing international problems one must, first of all, grasp the
incontrovertible facts regarding the interests of various countries, and then
consider what are the best policies to be adopted by each country. By this
process of reasoning we can reach a conclusion as to what our country
should do and what it should not do. We must be absolutely dispassionate
in our thinking. It is often said that there is every indication of an Allied
victory, and that China should join the war to win their sympathy so that
she may reap some benefits through participation in the Peace Conference.
But it must be pointed out that in apportioning the spoils of war the victors
will be guided by the respective interests and will not be moved by impulse
or emotion. The Vienna Congress, which took place after the defeat of
Napoleon, is a good example. The countries represented at the Congress
condemned Napoleon for having deposed the King of Holland because he
did not observe the Continental System. (Following the French defeat, the
Emperor of Austria had interceded with Napoleon for the restoration of the
King of Holland.)
In the meantime, the idea is current that China should either
befriend the United States in order to resist Japan or befriend Japan in order
to resist the United States. Both policies are wrong. There are justifiable
reasons for China to befriend both Japan and the United States; there is no
reason whatever to befriend the one in order to antagonize the other. Japan
and China are in intimate relations. If China befriends Japan, she must at
the same time endeavor to prevent any conflict from arising between Japan
and United States so that Japan may accomplish her mission of aiding
China to develop herself. The idea popular among Chinese officials of
playing the United States off against Japan is a colossal mistake.
Yet, the present made to England in appreciation of her assistance
in defeating Napoleon was neither French territory nor any territory
belonging to any of the countries which had aided Napoleon. The gift,
consisting of two strategic points, viz. the Cape of Good Hope and Ceylon,
was chosen from among the Dutch Colonial possessions. It is generally
supposed that by following at the heels of the victor some minor benefits
may be picked up from the ground that he has trodden, but how is one to be
sure? History shows that even allies of the victor are not free from the fate
of territorial loss. The decisions made by Austria, France, England, and
Prussia at the Vienna Congress had to be accepted willy-nilly by the minor
countries participating in the Conference. Evidently, any strong country
which has been defeated has still power enough to despoil the weak
countries. If a weak nation attaches itself to a strong one engaged in war, it
may, in case of the latter's victory, be called upon to participate in a Peace
Con-ference, but the probability is that it will be victimized. Since, both in
case of an Allied victory and in case of an Allied defeat, the only way for
Speaking only from the military point of view, Japan is, of course,
still inferior to the United States at the pres-ent moment. Ten years ago, the
military and naval strength of the United States was practically nil, and it
was impossible for her to strike war in any direction. But ten years have
changed the American naval position so completely that the United States
now builds two super-dreadnoughts per annum. She is gradually overtaking
Japan. Last year, besides her ordinary naval program she passed a Bill for
the construction, at a cost of US$1,000, 000,000, of ten additional superdreadnoughts and six additional cruisers, to be completed within a period of
five years. This year, the United States Government has decided to reduce
the period to three years. On severing relations with Germany, the United
44
States passed another U.S.$1,000,000,000 naval expansion Bill. Again, on
the day she declared war against Germany, she decided upon a war
expenditure
amounting to
U.S.$6,800,000,000,000
of
which
U.S.$1,000,000,000 was earmarked for naval construction. Moreover,
according to the recently announced naval construction program, the United
States is going to build an invincible fleet unparalleled in history. The
displacement of the battleships will be increased to 80,000 tons, and the
speed to 25 knots, and in addition, each vessel will be equipped with fifteen
18-inch guns. Such craft will cost U.S.$100,000,000 each and the guns will
have a destructive power more than three times that of modern superdreadnoughts. At least five such craft will be constructed, and the size and
draught will be just small enough to permit them to pass through the
Panama Canal without inconvenience. As for Japan, it will be several years
before she will complete the construction of a fleet consisting only of eight
battleships and four cruisers.
national existence, will Russia or Germany allow the United States to
obtain special advantages from China? Certainly not. For, after beating
Japan, American interests in China will come into conflict with German
and Russian interests, and consequently the United States will have to fight
with a first-rate Power.
As things stand, the United States has not the power to overcome
Russia or Germany. By overthrowing Japan, therefore, the United States
would invite trouble with a formidable rival, with the result that both
parties would be worsted. It is evident therefore that an American war with
Japan will benefit neither the United States nor Japan, much less China.
Should China desire an ally, she should not look beyond Japan and
the United States of America. The relationship between China and Japan is
one of common existence or extinction. Without Japan, there would be no
China; without China, there would be no Japan. For the sake of
establishing a lasting peace between the two countries, no trifling cause
should be permitted to disturb their friend-ship. Next comes the United
States of America. Although America is far away from us, her geographical
position prescribes her to be China's natural friend, not her unnatural
enemy. Moreover, both countries have a Republican form of Government,
so they should endeavor mutually to assist each other.
There is thus a wide difference in naval power between, these two
countries. But when I say that it is a big mistake to play the United States
against Japan, I do not mean that the United States cannot overpower Japan.
What I mean is that should the United States fight with Japan and beat her,
China will gain no benefit, although both the United States and Japan will
suffer heavy losses. In the event of Japan being defeated, she will be
conquered, or at least her territory will be reduced. That she will suffer
heavy losses is beyond question. On the other hand, will the United States
gain any benefits? Even if the United States should throw her entire
national resources into a war with Japan and, as a result, gain victory, her
strength will be seriously impaired. Yet what can she expect to get out of
all this except some interests and advantages at the expense of China? But
as made known to the whole world, she has the least ambition among the
Powers to exploit China, if only because of the geographical situation.
Should there be no hope for China to develop, nothing more is to
be said. But should China have a chance to develop her industries,
assistance must be sought from Japan and the United States. China should
rely on these two friendly States, for capital and technical advice as well as
raw materials. Japan, because of her similarity in language and race with
China, can be even of greater assistance to China than America, and on the
reconciliation with Japan depends the welfare of China, peace in the Far
East, the very civilization of the world. From the racial point of view,
China and Japan are brother countries. From the political point of view,
China and the United States are democratic countries, China being related
to America as a pupil to his tutor. Therefore China is not only in a position,
but also under the obligation, to harmonize American-Japanese relations,
not to play one off against the other.
Even after crushing Japan, the United States will still be unable to
exercise supreme influence over China. While the results of the present war
can hardly be predicted, it is safe to assert that after conclusion of peace the
strongest World Power will be either Germany or Russia, for reasons which
have already been fully explained in the foregoing chapters. It goes without
saying that, should China join the war, and as a result be conquered by
Germany or Russia, no room will be left for exploitation by the United
States. But, if China maintains her neutrality and, as a result, preserve her
Under the principle of Pan-Asianism, Japan and China can together
develop the natural resources in the West of the Pacific, while under the
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Monroe Doctrine the United States can unify authority in the East of that
ocean. Each should confine herself to her own field; then there will be no
conflict whatsoever. By a concerted effort of these three Powers
disarmament might some day be affected, and, going one step further,
permanent peace of the world secured. This would not be to the benefit of
China alone. Should China follow this as the guiding principle of her
diplomacy, she would completely eliminate any possible cause of national
extinction.
Chapter X
THE FATE OF CHINA
“To exist" means not to perish. To make something grow out of
nothing is to develop. To prevent something from becoming nothing is to
preserve.
Therefore, a country exists only when it is imperishable. The
factors contributing to the rise and fall of a nation, are innumerable. The
principal factor which enables a country to exist lies in the national
consciousness, in the indomitable spirit of independence on the part of its
Government and people. Only those nations which can neither be tempted
with lucre nor overcome by force, can maintain their existence. Such a
nation may be crushed almost out of existence, but it will eventually always
rise again. Any country which pretends to be independent but lacks the
qualities enumerated above, is doomed to extinction. This is not chopping
logic. When a nation has an unconquerable spirit of independence, other
nations will think it advisable to show respect for its independence. At any
rate, other nations will refrain from violating its independence, on account
of the international interests involved. Historical examples may be adduced
to prove my theory, or, alternatively, the same conclusions can be reached
by reasoning inductively from modern events.
Belgium has failed utterly to repel the attack of the Germans; the
Belgian Government is now located at Le Havre with very little territory
still left under its control. Nevertheless, not only do the Allies continue to
respect the independence of Belgium but nobody can say that Belgium has
perished. Even neutral countries show the highest respect to that country. It
is so because the indomitable spirit of independence of the Belgians has
proved to the world that Belgium is unconquerable. Even if the whole of
Belgian territory were to fall into the hands of her enemy and all the
Belgian troops be captured, we are sure that all the neutral countries will
never for that reason doubt her existence.
In one sense Belgium has perished, but in another sense she has
not; in one sense her people have fallen into captivity, but in another sense
they have not. The people, the land, and the sovereignty of Belgium may
have ceased to exist in form, but on account of the indomitable spirit of
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independence they have persisted in spirit. Belgium was once forcibly
incorporated into Holland, but her people; inspired by a strong, inflexible
determination, finally managed to regain their liberty and independence.
The char-acter of the people makes them unconquerable. Although they
may, for a while, yield to armed force, their nation will never perish. Any
country which tries to hold them in permanent subjection, will suffer more
than enjoy, and will eventually realize that it is not worthwhile to occupy
their territory.
existence. Any nation which fails to maintain her spirit of independence,
does not deserve to, and cannot possibly, exist as a nation.
It must be pointed out that though a country may labor under
disadvantages, it can sooner or later extricate itself from its
disadvantageous position. If any country, whose actions are restricted by
the force of some other country, makes no effort to resist that force, no
amount of advantages she may have bestowed on her will be of any use to
her, since she has already lost the spirit of independence. It is an old saying,
"A man may be robbed of everything but he must not allow himself to be
robbed of his will-power." If a man must have will-power, so must a nation.
If a nation allows herself to be deprived of her national determination,
should she not be ashamed of herself, taking a lesson from the Lady of
Sung and the Girl of Chi who resisted, at the cost of their lives, attempts to
sully their honor. No country engaged in war can be absolutely sure of
preserving its territorial integrity. After a nation has fought in self-defense
but failed to preserve her territorial integrity, she may have succeeded in
bringing home to the victor or aggressor that she cannot be deprived of her
national determination. The victor or aggressor, realizing that the
vanquished cannot be robbed of her will-power, will naturally refrain from
bullying her unreasonably. Therefore, a country may maintain its power
intact without winning a victory, and preserve its territorial integrity
with-out putting up a. strong defense. Britain and France, for instance,
could have easily sent an army big enough to occupy Greece, but they have
not done so simply because they realize that Greece cannot be robbed of
her national determination.
Greece is similar to Belgium. After having been con-quered for
thousands of years, she grew suddenly into a modern State. It is wrong to
suppose that she now depends on the sympathy and justice of other
countries for her existence. The rebirth of Greece is due to her national
spirit, which not only has not flagged but has increased in vigor through
many long years. She has never been completely subdued by Turkey, and
for this reason other countries have aided her in recovering her
independence. If Greece has revived by virtue of her unconquerable spirit,
she can rely upon the same spirit for the maintenance of her existence. At
the present time she is being subjected to extreme pressure by the Allies,
yet she does not waver in her determination.
Greece is to the Allies as Belgium is to Germany, but is still
regarded by the world as not having perished. Britain and France have
violated Greek neutrality by landing their forces at Salonika, but the world
does not consider Greece as siding with the British and French. Britain and
France have been encouraging the revolutionary movement in Greece with
a view to changing the Greek policy, but the King of Greece, mindful of the
fate suffered by the Rumanians, has stoutly resisted the Anglo-French
efforts. This explains why Greece can revive after having been con-quered
for more than 2,000 years, and how, though still weak, she can successfully
resist the strong. As the Allies have not yet declared war on Greece, they
cannot occupy her entire territory. Even if the British and French should
occupy the whole of Greece, she will be no more conquered than Belgium,
and I am sure that the peoples of neutral countries will not consider that she
has perished, just as they do not consider that Belgium has perished.
Therefore, China should maintain neutrality as Belgium and Greece
have done, whose difficulties in maintaining their neutrality are a hundred
times greater than those of China. As an Anglo-French attack on the
Balkans must be made via Greece, Britain and France have long tried to
seize Greece for the purpose of extending their influence in the Balkans. At
the same time Germany also has been trying to obtain Greece for the
purpose of resisting British and French attempts. This is indisputable.
China is in a totally different position from Greece. The territory
leased by China to Germany has been occupied by Japanese; the "Salonika"
of China has been placed at the disposal of Japanese troops. Thus, China
has already yielded to coercion, and shown partiality to the Allies. But
Like Belgium, Greece continues to exist by reason of her
unconquerable spirit. Every nation on earth should be able to preserve her
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German and neutral countries know very well that the landing of the
Japanese at Lungkow was in defiance of China's will and they believe that
since the Lungkow landing China has remained neutral as before. At this
moment, British French, Japanese and Russian pressure exerted upon us is
certainly not as strong as that exerted upon. Greece. As a matter of fact,
Britain and Japan do not intend to exert pressure upon China. Why do not
we follow the example of Greece? When the Central Powers exerted
pressure upon Belgium, Belgium put up an armed resistance, and when the
Allies attempted to coerce Greece, Greece did not submit to the coercion.
China has not been sub-jected to such pressure as Belgium and Greece have
been. Why then do we contemplate abandoning the attitude that we should
maintain? Have we lost our national spirit?
Any person, who loves mountains and rivers, abhors garbage and
filth. Any person who enjoys wine, has no taste for adulterated liquors.
Any person, who is fond of dress, objects to wearing soiled and stained
clothes. Similarly, any person who takes interest in political affairs and
wishes to fulfill his duties to the State, will go into retirement on seeing
such ingratitude and covetousness on the part of the Government. The
officials, who remain in the Government in spite of its ungrateful and
covetous behavior, will sooner or later contract the habit of ingratitude and
cupidity and thus hasten the downfall of the nation.
If China desires, at this critical moment, to overcome the danger of
a foreign conquest, she must maintain an inflexible spirit of independence.
If all weak nations could' be conquered, there would have been no weak
nations left in this twentieth century. In view of the fact that weak nations
do exist, and that China is the only one in danger of national extinction, it is
evident that the danger cannot be imputed to more effeteness. As long as a
nation has an unbending spirit of independence, it will revive after it has
perished, or rise after it has fallen.
It cannot be helped that we are not strong enough to resist the
Allies, but it is undeniable that we must not allow our strength to be utilized
by the Allies. China is inferior in financial resources, in naval power, and in
technical ability. In normal times she makes special efforts to maintain
friendly relations with Germany and to gain its favor. In all matters,
especially in military training, education and science, she relies upon
Germany for assistance. It is unjust, unwise and ungrateful to drop stones
upon Germany when she has, so to speak, already fallen into the well.
Besides Greece, Poland may be cited as another example. More
than a century has passed since the partition of Poland, but lately Germany
has occupied part of the Russian territory and suddenly set. up a Polish
State there. The Russians also have promised the Poles self-government
after the conclusion of the war. It may be expected therefore that after the
war is over Poland will be revived. The restoration 6f the Polish State by
Germany and the promise of self-government by Russia have no other
purpose than that of gaining the support of the Poles; there is no spirit of
chivalry. The fact that Russia and Germany are so eager to win the
goodwill of the Poles who have already been conquered, is due to no other
factor than the unconquerable spirit of independence on the part of the
Poles. If the children of a nation which has perished for over a hundred
years can inspire so much awe and receive so much flattery, should China,
which still exists as a nation, be afraid of oppression? China is a big
country and yet she compares unfavorably with Belgium, Greece and even
Poland. Who is to be blamed for her present condition?
Although China may gain some advantages by betraying a friend,
material benefits will by no means compensate for the damage to her moral
integrity. If our Government, as the leader of the people, displays such
cupidity and ingratitude, China will have a most unsavory reputation as a
selfish, mercenary nation. Any nation which yields readily to temptations
of lucre, will be plundered, and any nation which shows no gratitude, will
receive no kindnesses in return. Should China suffer another foreign
invasion which, I am sure, will be far more terrible than all previous ones,
no country will come to her rescue. Besides, if our Government acts in such
a way, the people will not obey its orders. Demoralized as the Chinese are,
the great masses of the people still consider it a shame to show ingratitude
and covetousness. And when the Chinese Government shamelessly stoops
to acts such as even the lowest scoundrels would not perpetrate, the people
are justified in treating it with the utmost contempt and in taking absolutely
no in-terest in the affairs of the State. Will the Government ever have the
effrontery again to issue a decree calling upon the people to rally to its
support in case of emergency, or to fulfill their duties to the State?
The Chinese people all know that it is inadvisable to join the
conflict and that it is unreasonable to declare war. This view has been
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voiced by merchants, scholars and even some, military men and
Government officials. The idea of entering the conflict and declaring war
was at first suggested by a handful of politicians, and is now gaming
popularity in Government and Parliamentary circles. But who will be
responsible for the disastrous consequences?
Let me repeat, as I have repeated many times already, "We must maintain
strict neutrality in an unbending spirit of independence."
China belongs to the Chinese people, upon whom rests the final
decision in State matters. At this moment the Government shows not the
slightest regard for public opinion and is acting in an arbitrary manner.
Who should bear the responsibility for the danger to China's destiny? The
Government and Parliament must not think that the people have no right to
take them to task. It seems to be their intention to conceal the danger from
the people, so that by the time the nation has perished it will be too late for
anybody to take them to task. But since the people now realize that entry
into the war will antagonize Germany unnecessarily, someone is bound,
before the country has perished, to lead the people in an uprising against the
Government. Losing the support of the people and without any assistance
from foreign countries, it is probable that the Government will collapse
before the fate of the nation is sealed. If a country is strong while its people
are weak, the national strength is not evenly distributed; in such case, there
will be the danger of committing irreparable blunders. On the other hand, if
a country is weak while its people are strong, the people will vent its wrath
by overthrowing the Government. This shows that the people cannot be
trifled with.
The Chinese nation consists of 400,000,000 people, who have
placed their common interests under the care of less than 2,000 officials.
These officials have heavy responsibilities and, of course, they cannot be
expected always to make the right decisions. But they should at least be
conscientious. If, in the present case, they maintain that since they have
decided upon a certain course of action they cannot reverse the decision
simply on account of the people's opposition, we cannot but take that they
mean to sacrifice the vital interests of 400,000,000 people for the purpose
only of saving their own face. I hope that they would not choose this course
but show that they still have a human heart.
China is at present like a man on a fleet horse galloping above a
precipice. There is only one way to safety. By this way we can not only
avert the present crisis but also lay the foundation of permanent security.
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